A perennial fashion archetype, equestrian-chic has long been popular among those with the dream or the means for horse ownership. With a new appreciation for all that’s classic in clothing, it’s only a matter of course that riding styles are a AW 2010 trend that is already off and running.

Revived this time around by John Galliano’s romantic vision for Christian Dior’s Fall 2010 runway, the standard components were masterfully made modern in a memorable spread in Vogue’s February 2010 “Back in the Saddle” shoot by Raymond Meier and featuring Constance Jablonski.

And while the equestrian theme has been done many times before, it appears that fashion’s current shift from hungering for “it” bags to appreciation for simple and enduring classics is bringing out many of the bits and pieces necessary to assemble the look.

True and trusty wardrobe items like the knee-high riding boots, a single-breasted hacking-style jacket and turtlenecks alongside the recent return of jodhpur-style pants, saddlebag shaped purses and a trend for leather accented clothing.

All the ingredients are available to easily assemble the trend. And with the current color persuasion for restrained ivory, navy, black and caramel coupled with supporting trends for outdoor, rural looks that incorporate tweeds, herringbone and chunky sweaters –  its a look that’s champing at the bit for a shot.

Before saddling up, consider that bohemian, dandy, pirate or any other style archetypes worth plundering, aim to incorporate one element, maybe two, into your everyday wardrobe. Riding boots or Jodhpurs. A blazer, a turtleneck and skinny pants, instead of the jodhpurs. If you emerge from your closet flicking a whip against your thigh and wishing you had a top hat, it’s probably a clue you’ve trotted this trend too far.

Here’s some sustainable finds that are more than just good horse sense.

Feral Childe‘s beautifully-tailored (longer in the back, shorter in the front) blazer is made from surplus Italian stretch wool gabardine and is available October 1st. The inside is equally beautiful with classic Feral Childe print of emerald green scratch art.

Their Barringer Legging in silk and organic cotton jersey is a fun twist of equestrian and print.

Prairie Underground’s Carpenter jean with funky inner leg stitching are reminiscent of a riding pant, in an easy-to-wear-denim.

Cri de Coeur’s Ariel boot. Over-the-knee in textured faux leather.

The post Giddy Up! Equestrian Fall Flair appeared first on EcoSalon.

While contemplating fashion’s currently-favored editorial doctrinaire (this season’s return to so-called “real” clothes), I was tickled by a fellow EcoSalon writer’s Facebook status update, ” Just discovered I will make an effort to brush my hair for Skype but not for actually leaving the house. Technology wins this round. ” Her familiar digital dilemma of a less than pulled-together every day look was echoed by several commenters. I guess some fashion realities are more real than others.

So while it was fun imagining that my fall buy might be something terribly exciting – the Betty Draper/Prada look, anyone? And recalling the summer spent staring at the spoils of my clothing budget literally hanging on for the rare right occasion – I vowed to pick up some fall pieces that I actually planned on wearing.

So, if you are intent on updating your fall look with an easy and stylish solution to the reality of life spent hunched over a computer, may I suggest an item that suits the requirements to a T? The tactical and terrific fall tunic.

Don’t confuse this for beaded and embroidered kurtis, pregnancy duds, beach cover ups or even the Talitha Getty-inspired tunics that Tory Burch launched an empire producing. Trimly cut in luxurious fabrics and neutral colors, this season’s version hit every major fall trend – Minimalism, 70s and Bohemian Luxury – brilliantly in one piece.

Wear with pants or leggings and this season’s must-have layering piece, the turtleneck, to create a monochrome look from head to toe – which is about as flattering a look as can be had – or alternatively bare legs for evening. It may well prove the last hurrah to the past five years of leggy looks before the tastes turn to the long and lean. Seemingly hard-willed by fashion fate, the mini is once again on course to go maxi.

Here are three responsibly-made tunics I’m currently deciding between:

San Francisco designer, Sofie Ølgaard’s wool mix retro design with its dramatic sleeve and pockets works well as a dress or a layering piece to keep you cozy through the winter.

Made in NYC, Bodkin’s Algorithm bamboo and cotton blend tunic is a chic and modern option that lends itself to multiple interpretations.

Julie Park’s drapey and elegant version is made from a lightweight Australian wool blend and has front seam detailing and a button closure in back.

Main Image: LOFT

The post Fall Tunics: Keeping It Really Real This Season appeared first on EcoSalon.

New York Fashion Week is one of the major fashion events of the year, and the city hasn’t disappointed thanks to fabulous venues (like the new NYFW host, Lincoln Center) as well as beautiful and stylish people jetting from show to show. Outside Catherine Malandrino, I was street shooting alongside the likes of Bill Cunningham (fashion columnist for the New York Times). One trend that came up again and again is the working girl layered look of blouses tucked into skirts, balanced by big bags and grounding booties.

So, how does an eco-fashionista get this trend setting look? Check off the pieces from our list below and build your own look!

– Blouse: Josh Podoll. This blouse is a classic with designer details at the sleeve to set it apart!

– Skirt: Bibico. Tiered layers add interest and a feminine touch.

– Jacket: Feral Childe. Print on print is still a hot trend to try. Create contrast with a print jacket and bottom.

– Open-toed Booties: Olsen Haus. Vegan booties with a stacked wooden heel- one word, divine!

– Bag: Matt & Nat. Neutral colors are key for fall with a practical air in size as well.

Finish off the look with hair tied in a messy ballerina bun on top of the head and a swipe of bright pink lipstick!

The post Trends from NYFW 2010: Skirts, Jackets and Booties appeared first on EcoSalon.