There is an undeniable beauty in simplicity. This week in On Trend, we highlight burgundy and basics by eco fashion brands — setting in motion a new foundation of standards within their areas of specialty—from shoes to jeans to nail polish. 

1. Wine Bi-Color Crew Neck Sweater by SVILU

This sweater is a perfect example of why NYC-based brand, SVILU is crazy about their eco-textiles and we’re crazy about their designs! Constructed from past season and deadstock fabric that was carefully rewoven into a new blend, the sweater is a new take on luxurious goods. The label recent won runner-up for the CFDA Lexus Eco Challenge for their work towards building a sustainable and beautiful line. Plus, all their clothes are made in the USA.

SVILU, $380

2. Union Rise Jeans by Raleigh Denim

There aren’t many fashion pieces that represent basic US style better than a pair blue jeans, and one domestic company earnestly designing is Raleigh Denim. Based in North Carolina, where the jeans are designed and manufactured, Raleigh’s Union Rise jeans are built as tough the tradition blue jeans were born out of. “Home to our team of non-automated jeansmiths, who craft denim the old school way + take great pride in making the best jeans in the country.”: Now that’s a brand motto I can get into.

Raleigh Workshop, $215

3. The Port of Call by Lizzie Fortunato

We absolutely adore this clutch! Its linear pop of colors are produced on hand looms, within a fair-trade production center in the heart of India. And although this is an small fortune of a buy, a true culture of craftsmanship and care is exemplified here. A carry-all for a day or night out, it’s a classic and versatile piece worth saving up for.

Lizze Fortunato, $495

4. Japanese Rose by Priti NYC Nail Polish 

Every now and then I love a deep nail color. But just by nail polishes’ smell, anyone can infer they are blended up with some seriously yucky toxins. Although this nail polish is still made with many ingredients I can’t pronounce (a nod to Michael Pollan’s Food Rules: They can apply to fashion right?) Priti NYC is made with the “Five Free Nail Enamel” blend, which leaves out the five most toxic nail polish ingredients. So if you are looking for an equally luxurious nail color but with an added eco-consciousness, you’ve met your match!

Priti NYC, $13.50

5. Violet by Coclico

Like all great eco-conscious fashion companies, Coclico’s shoe design are timeless, and yet under the surface lay conscious steps towards sustainability. Coclico uses vegetable tanned leathers, and the shoe’s heels are made with wood and cork. Their production facility is in Mallorca, Spain where workers are provided with living wages in the modern and safe production facility. Conscious creation can also be found in sourcing organic linens, and lead-free and nickel-free hardware for all their shoes.

 Coclico, $390

Want more On Trend? See Also:

 The Unbelievable Value of Upcycling Clothes 7 Ways: On Trend

On Trend: Dark and Tan – The Smartly Sexy Fall 2013 Color Trends

Covering Up With Ethical and Organic Leggings: On Trend 

Personality Pops With Patterned Pants: On Trend

Images from the eco fashion brands, collage by Juliette Donatelli

keep in touch with Juliette on twitter @spadesandsiLK

The post Eco Fashion Brands Prove Beauty in Simplicity with Burgundy and Basics: On Trend appeared first on EcoSalon.

Step out in our pick of this spring season’s most stylish sustainable shoes.

We may still be in the midst of winter, but dreaming of a new pair of shoes perfect for warmer temperatures is guaranteed to put a little spring in your step. From black and white and a feminine approach to minimalism to punchy brights, radiant red and a playful new take on geometry – Spring 2013 fashion is loaded with feel-good features.

So shake off the winter gloom and take a look at our top 10 best shoes for spring that are vegan or otherwise sustainably made.

Image: Coclico

1. Coclico’s Oedo shoe is made from vegetable-tanned leather, ethically created by artisans in Spain. With a heel that is simple and modern and leather straps that reflect Spring’s 2013’s taste for impeccable, clean lines, the Parma Nude color is the perfect foil the season’s punchy primary colored trends.

Image: Net-A-Porter

2. Stella McCartney’s faux leather and mesh wedge espadrilles are a great way to incorporate the still-strong neon trend this spring. Wear them with a breezy cotton shirt and statement skirt.

Image: Elizabeth Katzman

3. With designers showing both midi and micro-mini lengths, the question is what to wear with Spring’s skirts? Elizabeth Katzman‘s cruelty-free Billy Faux Leather Brown Booties provide a great anchor to a feminine hemline.

Image: Convert 

4. Made from a synthetic leather basketweave material, Jeffrey Campbell’s vegan Everly Bootie is exclusive to Convert and adds an essential tough-looking but cruelty-free edge to every spring outfit.

Image: Melissa

5. The Melissa Jean + Jason Wu flat in red is sustainably crafted in Brazil from MELFLEX, a technologically-engineered injected thermoplastic, the cut out style mimic the geometric prints seen on the designer’s runways for Spring.

Image: ECCO

6. ECCO’s Owando Bow Ballerina in metallic silver is constructed for comfort with bow detailing that echoes the delicate lingerie tones of the season’s satin evening wear.

Image: Osborn

7. Osborn‘s handmade shoes are created by artisans in Guatemala from recycled and natural materials. The Soko Oxford features an exclusive print on linen fabric that dresses up even the most casual of outfits.

Image: Olsen Haus

8. Olsen Haus‘ Eternity bootie is a 100 percent vegan shoe that offers a primary pop of the color of the season, radiant red.

Image: Cri de Coeur

9. Cri de Coeur’s two-toned faux snakeskin and lush vegan leather Ditta Tassel Platform Bootie keeps 70’s luxe glamor alive.

Image: Beklina

10. A subtler take on the enduring sportswear trend, Rachel Comey’s contrasting leather slip on Corvus Sneaker features a short 1″ platform with metallic leather tongue.

Top image: Tumblr

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A list of the current, top sustainable shoe designers.

Beyond Skin, Brighton, U.K.: Ethical, organic, vegan and vegetarian. Made in Alicante, Spain.

Bourgeois Boheme, London, U.K.: Animal-friendly, vegan, ethically sourced faux leather and natural materials.

Calleen Cordero, Los Angeles, CA: Handmade by artisans, vegetable-tanned leather.

Cholesburys, England:Hand made in England, over 60% of components are recycled or up cycled, low Co2 production and new leather (the sandal insole) is vegetable tanned.

Coclico, New York, NY: Vegetable-tanned leather, ethically made by artisans in Spain.

Cri de Coeur, New York, NY: Vegan, recycled plastics, biodegradable low-VOC eco-PU, organic cotton, hemp, reclaimed wood, ethically made.

Earth Sandals, Waltham, MA: “The original wellness shoe.”

ECCO, Denmark: Innovative materials, devoted to sustainable manufacturing.

Elizabeth Katzman, Detroit, MI: Cruelty-free, vegan, member of 1% For the Planet, donated portion of sales to animal-rights organizations.

El Naturalista, Spain: Made by artisans, vegetable tanned leather, recycled and natural rubber outsoles, recycled insoles, manufactured following a strict Eco-Policy.

Form & Fauna, Mill Valley, CA: Biodegradable synthetic, organic cotton, hemp, vintage fabrics, scrap wood heels, water-based glues, handcrafted in the USA.

Kailia, Italy/United States: Vegetarian, cruelty-free, water-based glues, polyurethane soles, vegetable-dyed linings, organic linen/cotton, recycled materials, handmade in small European family owned factories.

Love is Mighty, New York, NY: Vegan, crafted by indigenous artisans.

Melissa, Brazil: Designer collaborations, natural, recyclable plastic, socially and environmentally responsible company.

Mohop, Chicago, Illinois: Made in the USA, sustainably sourced woods and components.

Naya, St. Louis: Vegetable-tanned leathers and linings, natural or recycled content fabrics, water-based cements, boxes made with 80% recycled paper pulp, soy-based inks and water-based glue.

Neuaura, Manhattan, NY: Made from quality and, whenever possible, sustainable materials. In addition, a portion of Neuaura’s production is made at a sustainable factory in Brazil and every year the brand donates 5% of their annual net proceeds to charities that preserve and protect the environment.

Nina Z, New York, NY: Uses wood grown according to EU standards so that every step taken supports forest regeneration, tanned hides harvested from European cows raised according to the strictest EU standards, rubber soles made from recycled rubber.

Novacas, New York: Animal-friendly, environmentally-friendly, and worker-friendly products, 100% PVC-free, ethically manufactured in Portugal at worker-friendly factories according to labor standards set forth by the European Union.

OAT Shoes, The Netherlands: Biodegradable, grows flowers, all-natural non-toxic materials.

Olsen Haus, New York, Miami: Vegan, recycled and natural materials.

Osborn, Brooklyn, New York: Each shoe is hand made and woven by artisans in Guatemala, recycled and natural materials.

Patagonia, Ventura, California: Vegan, recycled materials, bluesign Standard, Common Threads Initiative, Our Common Water Campaign

Rachel Comey, New York, NY: Ethically hand-made in Peru.

Swedish Hasbeens, Sweden: Made with sustainable materials like vegetable tanned chrome-free leathers, natural rubber soles and real cork.

Terraplana, New York, NY: Made from environmentally sustainable materials like recycled rubber, vegetable tanned leathers, and recycled fabrics, artisan techniques fused with modern technology.

Did we miss someone? Email amy@ecosalon.com with your tip!

ALSO CHECK OUT:
The Ultimate List of Conscious Fashion Designers (From A-Z)

The Ultimate List of Sustainable Handbag Designers (From A-Z)

Top Image: Calleen Cordero

The post The Ultimate List of Sustainable Shoe Designers (From A-Z) appeared first on EcoSalon.

EcoSalon’s fashion columnist and recent West Coast transplant Johanna Björk shows us how she plans to accessorize her favorite washed-out gray denim and white tank this summer.

Ever wondered how our editors channel this season’s trends to complement the favorite pieces in their own wardrobes? Well, look no further. Today the time has come for me to show you how I plan to style two of my go-two basics for the summer. My style is all over the place, but when I don’t know what to wear I always come back to those great basics with a proven track-record. That perfect shade of washed-out gray denim is hard to come by, these have been perfected by decades of wear and what I really love about them is that they are ankle-length – totally right for summer. I’ve always preferred tanks over tees, and that’s something I am sticking to this summer, with a perfect white tank from PACT.

All I need is some great accessories, comfy flats and a classic striped sweater to keep me warm through those sometimes chilly California nights.

Organic by John Patrick Perforated Stripe Pullover
A classic striped sweater is something every girl should have in her wardrobe. This one has perforation details that give it a great sporty vibe that’s totally on trend for summer. Made from 100% Superfine merino wool it will keep me warm once the sun sets too.
$255, Organic by John Patrick

Greenpacha Panama Color Rose Hat
I love a good hat and am not afraid to wear it. This one by Greenpacha Hats for a Better World has a great blush pink color that will go well with all those summer lights and neutrals I intend to wear instead of my usual black and gray uniform. Made by artisans in Ecuador from sustainably harvested Toquilla palm straw. Greenpacha also donates 2% of sales back to the weaving communities
$87.50, Fashioning Change

Bricks and Silver Necklace by Natalie Frigo
When wearing an otherwise simple outfit, I like to dress it up with a statement necklace, like this one. Made by hand in designer Natalie Frigo’s NYC studio from ethically sourced black tourmaline beads with silver on an adjustable ultra-suede strap.
$180, Natalie Frigo

Rikar Flat Sandal by Coclico
When it comes to shoes, I tend to gravitate toward those sky-high showpieces that one ends up wearing just a few times. What can I say? I just love a good high heel. This summer, however, I have promised my feet to invest in a really great pair of flat sandals. These nude-colored leather ones from Coclico are great contenders.
$325, Juno & Jove

Marilu Belt by Brave Leather
All I really want for summer is a wide Celine-style belt that sits low on the hip. It will instantly propel even the most boring outfit into fashionville and is super-easy to wear. I love the minimalistic elegance of this one, by Brave Leather – hand crafted in Canada by skilled craftspeople, in a safe, ethical factory.
$125, Brave Leather

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Nine sizzling (sustainable) summer sandals to add to your warm weather wardrobe. Comfortable footwear that is anything but boring.

Sandals say summer more than any other shoe. A great pair of flat ones are a must-have in anyone’s warm weather wardrobe. This season, there’s a huge variety of sandals to choose from – metallic, nude, bright color, strappy, simple, feminine, masculine, patterned – you name it. They are all extremely comfortable and made in ways that make you tread lighter on the earth.

1. Rachel Comey Santos Slip-ins
These simple open toe slide sandals are perfect for a more simple, masculine outfit. Pair with skinny denim, simple ankle-length pants and a blazer for summer soirees with a more downtown vibe. Sustainably made in Peru from black perforated leather with caramel leather detail. Kiltie on upper strap with a wide stitched leather welt.
$391, Rachel Comey

2. ECCO Hill Move
ECCO has always been known to make durable shoes that are good for your feet. They used to not look so good, but that’s all changed now. These have an almost gold sheen to them and the sporty details are the perfect way to incorporate that trend into your summer wardrobe. Did I mention they are super comfy?
Approx. $120, ECCO

3. Neuaura Mansi Sandals
These casual yet elegant sandals by Neuaura are made with eco-friendly faux nubuck and washed canvas. The combination is a great contrast and the canvas almost looks like an animal print (trend alert!). Perfect to pair with those summer yellows. Made in an ethical factory in China.
$85, Neuaura

4. Coclico Rori Bunny Sandals
These are the perfect complement to those nude and white summer looks. Soft beige suede wraps around the ankle with a concealed velcro strap in this fresh, casual take on the gladiator sandal. Like all Coclico shoes, they are crafted with care with minimal environmental impact.
$259, Coclico

5. Madison Turquoise Faux Suede Sandals
This cute flat sandals from Beyond Skin – the British purveyor of vegan footwear – is new for summer and comes in an array of wearable shades. This one in mint green is our favorite. Featuring a slingback, peep toe, and padded insoles for extra comfort, they are handmade in Spain.
Approx. $137, Beyond Skin

6. Olsen Haus St.Croix
These elegant tie-around sandals are 100% vegan – made from microfiber suede and faux leather. This pretty combination of white and nude is totally right for summer, but these also come in black, if that’s more your thing. Pair with flowy summer dresses, florals or all-white.
$165, Olsen Haus

7. Rachel Comey Kiefer Sandals
Tie dye is a big trend for summer. These open toe sandals by Rachel Comey feature a bleached denim upper as well as mud leather straps and cotton laces. Pair with head-to-toe tie dye or let these be the accent of an otherwise simple outfit. Sustainably made in Peru.
$356, Rachel Comey

8. El Naturalista Sassi Sandals
Footwear by Spanish label El Naturalista is always made as natural as possible, and the company aims to bring attention to preservation and support to the environment on a global level. These stylish sandals feature a great crisscross pattern on the premium leather upper. The natural rubber outsoles are comfortable, durable and biodegrade much faster than synthetic materials.
$145, Zappos

9. Form & Fauna Garzon Flat
These beautiful bohemian criss-cross sandals by ethical shoe label Form & Fauna hit on two of summer’s trends – bright pink and animal print. Pair them with other brights for a color blocking look or use them to spice up a natural, nude look. Italian synthetic upper in pink faux reptile, patent burgundy, and crème.
Contact for price, Form & Fauna

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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

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How to knock off Blake Lively’s Vegas party look, in true eco-fashion.

Making an outfit work with so many shiny elements is truly a challenge, but for the opening of Las Vegas club Marquee, pop culture sensation’s Gossip Girl Blake Lively rocked a Vegas look to the last sequin. Here’s how we would have sustainably re-styled her.

Skinny Sequin Pants
While Lively’s blue sequin pants from Isabel Marant look absolutely stunning, we’ve found a more eco-savvy option for you: these (equally sparkly) leggings, handmade in San Francisco from deadstock fabric. The sequins don’t go all the way up the leg, which is practical but requires that you pair them with a longer top (which you’ll want to do anyway). They’re one-of-a-kind and made to order, so you can be sure no one else will be copying your style. (If you absolutely want blue ones, here’s another option from Etsy. No word on the eco-creds though.)
$79, Etsy/PeekoApparel

Chunky Glam Earrings
Any Vegas-inspired party look needs to be topped off with something sparkly dangling from your earlobes. These are handmade in Brooklyn, NY, from upcycled metals.
On sale for $65, DLC Brooklyn

Loose-Fitting Black Shirt
The way to pull off sequin pants without looking like you stepped out of an episode of Dynasty is to pair them with something casual, like a loose-fitting black shirt. We’re not sure where Blake found hers, but this one, by Loup Charmant, is made from soft 100% Organic cotton. Order one or two sizes up for that ultimate borrowed-from-my-boyfriend look that covers the top of the pants.
$220, Loup Charmant

Black Suede Booties
Instead of the Louboutins Miss Lively is rocking here (which are overpriced and notoriously uncomfortable), slip into these ethically made ones from Coclico. Your feet, wallet and conscience will thank you.
On sale for $276, Coclico

Chunky Ring
Big finger bling is as essential to a Vegas night on the town as champagne. This gorgeous one from Jamie Joseph features a large lapis lazuli stone, which nicely brings in that pop of blue color that we love in Lively’s look.
$685, Twist

Layered Gold Bracelets
In this case, more is more, so layer on those bracelets and let your wrist sparkle almost as much as your smile. These, from Lulu Frost, are made from vintage, upcycled jewelry. Combine with a few of your own, and you’ve got the look down.
Multi Chain Bracelet, $265 & Heirloom Bracelet, $360, both Lulu Frost

The post Celebrity Knockoff: Blake Lively’s Vegas Party Look appeared first on EcoSalon.

Women take over the woods (and streets) clad in lumberjack clothing.

We’ve seen guys don the lumberjack trend for quite some time now, and frankly, it’s time for the ladies to enter the woods. Dark plaid, a wool-lined jacket, color-blocked sweater, stirrup leggings and sturdy suede boots are a good way to start. Add some western-inspired jewelry and you’re one cord away from being a female Paul Bunyan. Just do us all a favor, instead of cutting down trees, go plant some.

Erica Weiner Saw Earrings
Both delicate and tough, these cool brass saws dangle from 14K gold-plated ear hooks. The saw charms are antique and may be slightly discolored with age, which only adds to their charm.
$25, Erica Weiner

Covet Oversized Color Blocked V-Neck Sweater
Covet’s oversized boyfriend sweater has a deep V-neck and dark chocolate color blocking details. The slouchy fit makes this sweater seriously comfy. Covet’s factories are all certified by international labor organizations and they use only sustainable materials such as, in this case, soybean.
$105, Future:Standard

Erica Weiner American West Necklace
The nearly lost art of decorative coin-cutting has been done with a tiny saw and a steady hand for centuries, Erica Weiner works with an American craftsman who continues the tradition. Pennies commonly known as “Indian Head Cents” were manufactured by the U.S. Mint between 1859 and 1909. They contain 88% copper and 12% nickel (so people with nickel allergies, steer clear). The 5-cent coins, produced between 1913 and 1938, featured an American Bison on one side and a portrait of a Native American on the other.
$75, Erica Weiner

Dace Cassidy Trench Coat
This short trench coat from Canadian brand Dace is water resistant and comes with a detachable wool lining. The simple, basic design in combination with well-placed details and off-centered buttons make it feel more unique.
$380, Dace

Anna Check Dress
This stylish knee length dress is a cute alternative to the boyfriend plaid shirt. The pattern has a white and pink (even Lumberjackies love pink) woven design, three quarter length sleeves and pleats at the waist. It’s hand-made in Bangladesh. Lined.
approx. $172, People Tree

Coclico Elliot Castano Boots
These slip on, slouchy suede booties feature a subtle spat detail. Mushroom brown suede and stained wooden heel make this everyday boot feel extra special. And, at 2.5 inches, the heel is just about the perfect length for long walks in the woods (or urban jungle).
$425, Coclico

PI Organic Stirrup Leggings
An update on the traditional ‘80s stirrup pant, these waffle-weave stirrup leggings have a cuff to cover heels. You can be sure that, during cold days, these don’t slide up your leg to let cold air in (we all hate that). PI Organic uses all organic materials and sustainable methods; these leggings are made in the USA from 100% organic combed cotton.
on sale for $42.95, Future:Standard

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Our top 10 vegan and sustainable shoes for getting your groove on this holiday season.

Are we mad? Torturing you with images of holiday party shoes just as you sit down for a Thanksgiving gorge-a-thon? Excuse us for our optimism, but we think picking out a pair of party pumps for this year’s holiday soirees might be the very best thing to cure your post-meal stupor. From color blocking to shimmering chevron stripes, leopard spot prints to richly hued velvet heels, you’ll be sustainably hitting every trend this year right under that mistletoe.

Here are our top 10 best party shoes that are vegan or otherwise sustainably made.

Stella McCartney High-Vamp Velvet Pump In Teal – A richly saturated teal velvet upper juxtaposed with a flashy golden sole will have you singing D.I.S.C.O. whereever you go this holiday season.

Melissa Shoes The Joy + Alexandre Herchcovitch – A product of the stellar collaboration between Melissa and Brazilian fashion designer Alexandre Herchovitch, these two-tone plastic oxfords with wingtip styling practically guarantees some late night Gene Kelly-esque toe tapping.

Jeffrey Campbell Martini Flat – For those serious booty shakers, a studded flat gives this fall’s trending slipper shape some serious edge.

Stella McCartney Acrylic Heel Color Block sandal – Forward thinking yet elegant, this Stella McCartney show stopper with translucent heel adds a blast of color to every LBD.

Olsen Haus Grace Shoe in Gold/Silver – The timeless zigzag pattern is a perfect match for a 60s style shift dress. The neutral tones in this shoe can be paired with an array of nightlife colors making this shoe a holiday essential for years to come.

Olsen Haus Angel Pump in Leopard/Red – Vegans rejoiced when this sexy shoe came on the market. The leopard print shoe is bang-on trend but yet so classic. The 4” heel is balanced with a hidden front platform to provide extra height and stability.

Beyond Skin Jolie – Silver glittery snakeskin give this black evening shoe just enough extra glitz amongst the sophisticated black base color. An ankle strap provides support and comfort to last on your feet all night long.

Melissa Shoes Electric in Gold – A remarkably comfortable heel that looks great with skinny jeans and party dresses infused with Melissa’s signature bubblegum scent so your tootsies will always smell great. Now that’s a party trick not many can pull off.

Beyond Skin Josie – A golden snakeskin sandal with a retro block heel looks great with tights or bare legs.

Coclico Coleridge Redbud – What could be more seasonal than deep plum suede shoe this year? With draping across the top of the foot and a zipper closure, these shoes also feature extra comfy padding.

The post Our Top 10 Best Eco Party Shoes appeared first on EcoSalon.

Unwrap and Unravel: Three new dresses for spring.

Nothing says easy, breezy springtime style more than throwing on a lightweight, laid-back dress. If the latest spring/summer store arrivals are any indication, dresses are so having a moment right now. Perhaps this year’s siren call, the more linear midi and maxi length stretch tube dresses don’t appeal. Admittedly, some top notch ankles and shoulders are required to carry off the look’s enticing allure. Consider instead opting for the season’s new short dress to match your elevated Vitamin D level spring cheer.

While a dependable dress is often the working girl’s wardrobe staple—faithfully turning up for every event, interview or hot date, this reincarnation can’t boast having a head for business nor a bod for sin. Office-suitable shifts and wraps or body-con bandage styles are most definitely out, the new shorter length silhouette is instead semi-structured, delicately voluminous and preferably geometrically seamed.

Sensitive to the changing mood, designers are employing bold colors, vivid prints and flattering sleeves to underscore the new dress style’s demure feminity, communicating the look’s sense of humor, personality and essential simplicity.

Now is the time to assess a winter rut of wearing the same clothes day in and day out. I’m kinda over my skinny-jean and oh so artful layering and accessorizing techniques and long for the freedom of a sunnier approach. It feels good to be in sync with nature. Ironically, as carefree as this look is, achieving its spontaneous élan vital requires careful, studied consideration. Gear down accessories to a minimum and opt for a simple strappy shoe, wedges work best.

Take a look at my sustainably made picks for this season’s best examples of the new dress:

Above: German designer, Hui Hui’s standout Silk Apron dress. Hand-crafted construction, small production and made from 100% silk, the
versatile and adjustable dress has a slant V neckline and drawstring hem that allows the dress to be worn in various ways (up or down, inside out, long or short), and has enclosed finished seams throughout. The light weight silk is printed with a Vogue Vibe print on grey base, with splashes of pink, green and yellow.

Rogan’s Electra Dress is made from white haze silk. It features a deep V neckline and draped envelope sleeves in contrast slub knit with seam detail. Comes with contrasting black slip.

The Baobab Dress by Bodkin buttons half way down, has clean lines, pockets and most of all illustrates the new crisp sense of comfort. Made of 100% Cupro. Cupro is regenerated from natural fibers. It wears like cotton (durable), but has the luxurious hand of silk.

The post Body-Con Begone: Three New Dresses For Spring appeared first on EcoSalon.