ColumnBlack is brilliant. Its neat and easy sophistication is timeless, it goes with anything, and yet, always somehow reflects a hint of rebellious attitude. Black is just plain cool. Here are five eco fashion pieces that take black to a new frontier full of personality.

Robe Droite by Kami Organic

This sexy dress by Kami Organic is a great timeless piece with a hint of sexy sheer. Started in 2008 by avid sailor and entrepreneur Didier Willard, Kami Organic always feels great on your skin for their uses of all GOTS certified materials. “KAMI Organic Collection, is a very stylish proposal for the women of the 21 st century, a sense of details for an authentic and sustainable luxury.”

Place des Tendances, on sale for 95 euros  

Accelerator Booties by Mandy Coon

These boots would totally kick some ass in a great, and of course, stylish fashion. Extremely well made in NYC by legendary Mandy Coon, I’d rock these bad girls any day.

Helpsy, $360.50

Galaxy Star Clutch by The Sway

The Sway shows up a lot in On Trend, but their designs and ethics are so on point, it’s impossible to resist. Featured in top fashion press like Vogue, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and Amber Valletta for YOOX.com, their sustainable practices are paving the way to prove edgy style doesn’t have to be sacrificed for an eco-lifestyle.

The Sway, $364

Fruit Pigment Mascara by 100 Percent Pure

Colored with black tea and berry pigment, this light weight mascara is great for sensitive eyes or contact wearers. Entirely natural and vegetarian, this mascara performs great too, promising smudge and water resistance.

100 Percent Pure, $21

Pendant in Obsidian by Efants Perdus Encircled

This badass obsidian piece is entirely hand carved into the stone. Enfants Perdus started in 2006 by a group of silversmiths in their Brooklyn-based studio, they source all materials through ecologically and ethically friendly practices, including recycled refining, conflict-free trading, and responsible mining.

Helpsy, $210

Want more On Trend? See The Latest

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images from the brands, top collage by Juliette Donatelli

Keep in touch with Juliette on twitter @spadesandsilk

The post Beyond the LBD, it’s Eco Fashion With an Attitude: On Trend appeared first on EcoSalon.

Black and white is always the heart of classic trends. Even Ms. Coco Chanel herself knew it! Keeping our style simple prevents closet clutter and the dreadful question of “What will I wear?!” Then we are more free to ask more grounded questions like, “What will I read next?” This week’s On Trend is a round up filled with sophistication and style from our favorite responsible brands in classic black and white.

1. Sequoia Dress by Reformation

Fun, sexy, and sustainable style is what you always get with any Reformation garment. Made with 100% viscose, a fiber produced through a closed-loop process and with little water, and produced in Los Angeles, this dress is professional and still fresh and playful.

Reformation, $188

2. Chaye Clutch by Freedom of Animals

Freedom of Animals is brand on the rise, and this vegan handbag makes you look read twice (yes, I said vegan). It’s made with 100% EPA-certified sustainable materials, including faux leather produced from recycled materials. Not only is the textile innovative and eco-friendly, the faux leather is then vegetable dyed, so no toxic chrome-tanning here. Lastly, the inside of the clutch is lined with organic cotton. I know, incredible. Go ahead and take another look–we certainly did.

Freedom of Animals, $300

3. Mini Shark Earrings by Brandy Pham

Named after their resemblance to shark teeth and a nod to designer Brandy Pham’s father who used to be a fisherman, these studs are modernly feminine and elegant. Handmade with love in New York City. And when you purchase the pair through Zady’s you can read the full story of how Brady went from celebrity designer to trusting her instincts.

Zady, $90

4. Black and White Heel by Olsenhaus 

This 100% vegan shoe will turn any outfit into a sophisticated look.  Olsenhaus is all cruelty free and made with all environmentally friendly materials.

Olsenhaus, $45

5. Eden and Pear by Voluspa

Not only will this scent have any space smelling fresh in no time (even when it isn’t burning!), Voluspa candle are made with coconut wax and cotton wicks, so you don’t have to worry about this scented candle poisoning your indoor air with VOCs. Plus, once you are indulging in the luxuries of its smell, you can turn the candle holder into a flower vase!

Candle Delirium, $18

6. My Ex’s Heart Nail Polish by Bondi New York

Cleaner nail polish is on the rise, and thank goodness! Bondi nail polish, prides itself in being ‘the five free nail polish,’ always free from formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, toluene and DBP–yes, those ingredients are in most conventional nail polishes (gross).  Let’s stay away from those nasty chemicals and keep our nails strong while still looking hip.

Bondi, $12.50

Want more On Trend?

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images from the brands, top collage by Juliette Donatelli

Keep in touch, follow Juliette @spadesandsiLK

The post Classic Trends in Dichromatic, Black and White Sophistication: On Trend appeared first on EcoSalon.

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 

The post Celebrity Knockoff: Charlize Theron’s Effortless Elegance appeared first on EcoSalon.

I’m not much of a holiday decorator. I don’t spend two days unwrapping little chotskies out of bubble wrap (you know, the same ones I spent two days re-wrapping last year) and setting them up all over my home. I don’t hang hundreds of blinking lights from my roof or station large plastic figures on my front lawn. My holidays are a tad less elaborate and adorned. And I like it that way.

First of all, I hate packing and unpacking of any kind. I’d rather stick needles in my eyes. And I don’t like excess stuff sitting around, especially theme-oriented, color coordinated stuff.

Having said that, autumn is upon us and with the changing weather and falling leaves comes a feeling of nostalgia and celebration. But not to worry – there are plenty of simple, subtle ways to express the approach of the holidays without going over the top.

I’ve gathered an idea or two for garnishing your home – from tabletop to mantle to martini. Things that aren’t always exclusive to the holidays but that celebrate the seasons nonetheless. Here’s hoping you’ll see something that tickles your yearning for decoration, in the simplest most sensible sense.

On the top of my list but the farthest from reality, is this platinum and diamond encrusted skull (image above, For The Love of God). It’s the creation of British artist Damien Hirst, who has a morbid fascination with death and dying, and it sold for $100 million dollars in August 2007. No it isn’t simple or sensible. It’s glamorous and shocking, but I couldn’t resist.

Speaking of glamor, I’m a glutton for black. It goes with everything and makes everything look good. Just check out Leigha’s post last week for more details about bringing on the black.

I’m loving these touches of black with the slightest twist of orange or cream or candied apple (images above). And dried anything, from twigs to flowers, placed in a simple vase, turns an ordinary tabletop into interesting, without going gauche (image below).

All things metallic are hip right now, so use your imagination with gold paint and old buttons or beads. Preferably not all at once, just dabbing a little here and there does the trick.

So the table is set, but what’s the point of a party without a flavored martini?

Pumpkin Pie Martini (image above)

1/2 oz Sylk Cream Liqueur
2 oz Vanilla Vodka
1/2 oz Pumpkin Liqueur (or substitute pumpkin spice syrup)
1 tsp (or more) Whipped Cream
1 Cinnamon Stick for garnish

Pour the cream liqueur and vanilla vodka into a shaker filled with ice. Shake well. Add the pumpkin liqueur or syrup and shake again. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Top with the whipped cream, and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Serves 1.

Of course, you can’t have autumn without pumpkins, although I fly on the shy side with these gourd-like squashes. Carving with the kids is great fun, but when it comes to decor for your home, let’s leave the knives in the kitchen.

I’m needing a few of these velvet critters, so soft and snugly (image above). Or try your hand and paint them in plaid or polka dot; winter white or graphic delight (images below).

Draw a black raven or bats, use a doily as a stencil or monogram your initials (images below)….

…clothe them in old black stockings or leftover lace.

Let’s move on to flowers and wreaths; mantles and cakes.

Like I’ve said, crafts and such just aren’t my thing – I seek out simple and easy. So these orange calla lilies (image above) do just the trick. I’m loving how they’re arranged leaning to one side – asymmetrical is where it’s at.

I often have an aversion to wreaths – they are so easily overdone and embellished with too much garnish and frill. But these two gems (images above and below) capture the pure and crisp of the changing seasons and upcoming holiday cheer. You might even find one on my front door this year.

I’m crazy about these cheesecloth covered glass vases (images below), in all heights and sizes. Look closely and you’ll notice the black medical stitches down one side. Fill them with dried flowers or twigs and you’ve got a subtle way to share the Halloween gore without going too far. Add a spider if you’re so inclined.

Last but not least, these cakes made the cut. I’m not a pastry chef, nor am I competent in the ways of the kitchen, but I had to include them for the mere fact that they say Halloween at its most simple and sophisticated. Bon appetit and happy holidays.

Images: Better Homes and Gardens, Molly Findlay, this is glamorous, Delia Creates, Shelter Pop, Wise Craft, coco + kelley, green wedding shoes, style me pretty, Michelle Rago Ltd., Pinterest, Martha Stewart, Simply Grove, Country Living, Fina Art & Paper

The post Autumn Inspiration: Just Don’t Say Holiday Decoration appeared first on EcoSalon.

Explore the depths of black as the Chromatic Theology series continues.

Each post in this series explores an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color. To some extent, the distinctive attributes of white will be present in color variations – charcoal, black bean, cast iron, domino, pewter, etc.

BLACK is a powerful color that exhibits strength, dignity, and formality. Black can translate to the epitome of elegance and sophistication. Like white, excess black can cast the notion of emptiness or boredom, except with heavy and depressing implications. Add a dash of casualty by lightening the severity of black and selecting a shade of grey (ranging from dove to deep charcoal). Because saturated black can be imposing, avoid using expansive solid black color in small spaces, or infuse intimacy in a large space by intentionally using large amounts of solid black color. Combining black and white in one cohesive color scheme uses sharp contrast to achieve crisp, tailored results; the same color scheme can be harsh and austere when unsuccessful. If your personality walks on the serious side, but with an added dose of mystery, black might just be the color for you.

Want to get acquainted with the rest of the rainbow? Indulge in the rest of the series with these previous posts.

This wraps up the session on color theory and psychology. Any questions?

(Images from The Style Files, Greige, and Lonny.)

The post Chromatic Theology: Black appeared first on EcoSalon.

I’m no chemist. In fact, I get a little jittery around (and refuse to make eye contact with) the Periodic Table on my son’s closet door. But, given the subject matter here, I must do my best to understand the basic causes surrounding greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on global warming. At times, the concepts seem simple to me (I “get” the greenhouse metaphor) and other times my eyes tragically glaze over when well-meaning scientists try to explain exactly what’s happening here that’s threatening the lives and future of my children. But mental gymnastics aside (sorry folks, some of it is hardcore science), I just read something that I can get my wee right brain around: the air is sooty and we should clean it up.

“A massive simulation of soot’s climate effects finds that basic pollution controls could put a brake on global warming, erasing in a decade most of the last century’s temperature change,” says a Wired Science post. What they’re getting at is that greenhouse gas emissions aside, which are a huge problem and require long-term solutions (“new energy technology and profound changes in lifestyle”), our habit of pumping good ol’ soot into the atmosphere (wood and dung burning, diesel exhaust, small boilers, residential coal use) is something that 1) is a huge part of the problem of global temperature change, and 2) we should be able to get a handle on for immediate impact using simple tools that already exist, like exhaust filters and clean-burning stoves.

The article is based in part on the work of Stanford University climate scientist Mark Jacobson, who conducted the simulation. He found that soot, or black carbon, plays a critical role in global warming, a fact apparently uncovered by prior studies, as well, including work done by NASA back in 2003. But Jacobson’s work takes the simulation a step further, looking into the immediate effects of decreasing the emissions of said soot. The good news, he reports, is that soot has a lifetime in the atmosphere of just a few weeks, while carbon dioxide, for example, has a lifetime of 30 to 50 years. So getting our black carbon problem under control could have a quick and significant effect on global temperatures.

“If you totally stop CO2 emissions today, the Arctic will still be totally melted,” says Jacobson. If we pull in the reins on soot, “the reductions start to occur pretty much right away. Within months, you’ll start seeing temperature differences.”

Explains the article’s author, Brandon Keim: “Soot comes from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, and also from the burning of wood or dung for fuel. Crop residue and forest-burning are another major source.”

The 2003 NASA simulation said soot was responsible for one quarter of all global warming in the 20th century. And soot has been identified a key contributor to crises ranging from to glacier melts to abnormal monsoon activity. The United Nations, says Keim, “puts the soot-related death toll at 1.5 million people annually.”

If stopped tomorrow, the disappearance of soot would could drop average world temps by about a degree Fahrenheit. “That’s about half the net warming – total global warming, minus cooling from sun-reflecting aerosols – experienced since the beginning of the industrial age,” says Keim. “The effect would be even larger in the Arctic, where sea ice and tundra could rapidly refreeze.”

The big picture impact of a wide-scale soot reduction effort could buy time and delay “tipping points” in climate change as greenhouse gases continue to take their toll. While the last year’s draft climate treaty generated in Copenhagen last year doesn’t say anything “soot-specific,” the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) will be discussing soot problems next year. Meanwhile, here in the States, the EPA will soon begin its own black carbon study. In the meantime, it’s nice to know that there may be some immediate answers out there if we just listen up and put a lid – or a filter – on it.

Image: stoixeia

The post The Air Is Sooty. We Should Clean It Up. appeared first on EcoSalon.