It’s crisp, fresh and perfect for summer. Here are tips for pulling off the all-white trend.

There was an abundance of white on the spring 2012 collection runways. It shouldn’t surprise us – nothing says summer more than crisp, fresh white. It’s a great trend with infinite possibilities, and is best worn top to toe – monochrome style. If you know how to pull it off, the only thing you have to fear is colored liquids.

Take inspiration from this runway look by Celine but bring it down to an everyday casual level. If you’re going to wear white pants, denim is the safest way to go. The fabric is thick enough so that you don’t see what you’re wearing underneath, and it also hides flaws (hello, cellulite) that lighter fabrics may enhance. Roll ’em up to ankle-length, pair with a loose-fitting, minimalist top made from 100% cupro and discreetly patterned vegan wedge sandals.

Carpenter Jean in White by Prairie Underground, $175, Juno & Jove / Sydney Top, $105, EcoSkin / Bounty Ankle-Strap Wedge, $150, Cri de Coeur

Mixing different hues of white is a great way to create a bit more layered texture and keep from looking too monochrome. This look by Chloe hits on many of spring’s biggest trends — mixed shades of white, wide-leg pants and wearing a collared shirt underneath a knit sweater. Copy it with an organic knit sweater and organic cotton pants by German eco-label Hessnatur, and a crisp white shirt by Kami Organic. Roll up the sweater sleeves so that the white shirt peeks out underneath.

Organic Cotton Sweater, $98, Hessnatur / Organic Cotton Pants, $98, Hessnatur / White Shirt, Approx. $230, Place des Tendences

White doesn’t have to be dressed-up, it can be low-key and casual. Taking inspiration from the runway doesn’t have to be literal either. This look by Sportmax is all about layering, length and volume. Start with a long, flowy organic cotton dress by Loup Charmant, add a cardigan from Stewart + Brown and a recycled polyester anorak from Organic by John Patrick for a nice layered effect that is elegant without being too fancy.

Organic by John Patrick Anorak Coat, $365, Juno & Jove / Lapel Cardigan by Stewart + Brown, $185, Juno & Jove / Swallowtail Cover Up, $150, Loup Charmant

Get inspired by Alexander Wang’s all-white runway look and be the epitome of casual cool in a perfectly slouchy shirt by Yana K. and pair of Organic cotton shorts by Eairth. White shorts look insanely good against tan summer legs. Dress them up with a Native American-inspired beaded belt and high heels. One last word of advice when it comes to wearing white: invest in good nude-colored underwear.

Itweg Nomad Shorts by Eairth, $115.00, Juno & Jove / Girlfriend Blouse by Yana K., On sale for $84.95, Future:Standard

The post How To Wear It: White on White appeared first on EcoSalon.

A quick peak at EcoSalon’s celebration of Future:Standard’s 1st birthday.

We were thrilled to partner up with Future:Standard recently to celebrate the online eco boutique’s one-year anniversary. A clothing swap, photo booth and night of celebrating eco fashion is our kind of fun.

“I’m so honored to have celebrated my 1^st birthday party with EcoSalon! It’s been such an exciting year for Future:Standard and there couldn’t have been a better representation of what we are trying to accomplish, than with EcoSalon. I’m looking forward to a fabulous year with more amazing merchandise that respects the planet!” said Future Standard founder Jessica Althoff.

We couldn’t agree more – thanks to Jessica and her team for letting us take part. Here are some of our favorite shots from the photo booth that night.

The post Photos: EcoSalon Celebrates Future:Standard’s 1 Year Anniversary appeared first on EcoSalon.

Future:Standard Founder Jessica Althoff’s favorite piece is a vintage Western belt handed down to her by a friend’s mother.

Jessica Althoff is the founder of Future:Standard, an online eco-boutique that sells ethical clothing and accessories – “anything made with respect to the planet and those who are making it,” as Althoff puts it. Future:Standard, which we named one of our 15 best online boutiqes, distinguishes itself from the rest by carrying indie lines that aren’t frequently seen in other eco shops. Her favorite piece is a vintage Western-style belt that was handed down to her by a friend’s mother.

“I have this vintage brown leather belt that I absolutely love,” says Jessica. “When I was right out of college, I was visiting my best friend in San Francisco, and I desperately needed a belt. She found this old belt that had been her mother’s. I fell in love immediately, and began planning  how I was going to keep it. Later that day, she gave it to me.”

“It has been about ten years since I got the belt and it has been a favorite for all these years. I am a pretty casual person (jeans and a perfect white tee are my favorite outfit), so this belt adds a lot to every outfit and is definitely a conversation starter. Sometimes when I wear it, I imagine Anne, my best friend’s mom, and what her life was like when it belonged to her. I imagine her and my friend’s dad, Ed, cruising around the city, going to concerts, just being young and having a great time. I love to think about the great boho outfits with bell bottoms that Anne might have worn with it.”

Althoff should have no trouble carrying on Anne’s bohemian chic style legacy.

The post Closet Stories: Jessica Althoff’s Vintage Western Belt 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

The post On Trend: Lumberjack Girl appeared first on EcoSalon.

 Embrace your inner geek with these sustainable duds and accessories.

Most of us have come far enough in our lives to know that the nerds are really the cool ones. Embrace your own inner geek by stepping into fall wearing a hand-knit sweater vest, a recycled cotton backpack, high-waisted pleated pants, consciously chic glasses, fair-made booties and a friendship bracelet, while carrying a cleverly bookish iPad case. Smart is the new black.

Jamie Fair Isle Tank
This cute vest sports a colorful Fair Isle design and is hand knitted in 100% wool in Nepal.
approx. $120, peopletree.co.uk

Baggu Backpack
We’ve used their reusable shopping bags for years, why not upgrade to something a bit more interesting? This backpack with adjustable shoulder straps comes in nine different colors and is made from 100% recycled 16 oz. cotton duck.
$32, baggubag.com

Dace Kelp Pants
These pants feature classic, stylish nerd-attributes like a high waist, pleats and slouchy fit. All pieces by designer Dace Moore are made locally in Canada and adheres to socially responsible and environmentally sound manufacturing practices.
on sale for $88, futurestandard.com

DODOcase for iPad
DODOcase aims to help keep the art of book binding alive by adapting it to the world of iPads. It’s made locally in San Francisco using black Moroccan cloth with a solid bamboo core. It’ll look like you’re carrying a book, but the DODOcase is a clever little thing that also folds back as a stand for your iPad.
$59.95, dodocase.com

Begley frames from Warby Parker
This new take on a circular frame style first popular in the 1930s is not just the epitome of nerd-chic, Warby Parker also donates a pair of frames to someone in need. The company also works with non-profits to train low-income entrepreneurs to sell affordable glasses.
$95, warbyparker.com

Love Friendship Bracelet
What says eco-nerd more than swapping friendship bracelets with your sustainable friends? This one is by Etsy seller Marly D, but check out this simple tutorial on how you can make your own.
$4, etsy.com/shop/MarleeD

Osborn Red Suede Kinder Booties
These limited run booties are fairly hand-made by cobbler artisans using genuine Napa suede. To up the eco-factor, they also have laces made out of hand loomed cotton and a recycled tire heel cap.
$188, osborndesign.com

The post On Trend: Eco-Nerd appeared first on EcoSalon.

Sustainable style news from EcoSalon’s West Coast fashion correspondent.

Giddyup to Gumps – From Hermès and Ralph Lauren to Gucci’s signature snaffle bit, drawing fashion inspiration from the equestrian set is nothing but good horse sense. EcoSalon favorite Jendarling’s latest line of eco-chic traveler clutches and pouches will be part of the EQ show opening this week at San Francisco’s iconic department store, Gump’s. Running thru August 14th, the eclectic showcase of horsey-inspired artisan goods is sure to satisfy all sorts of riding enthusiasts. If that doesn’t have you chomping at the bit to get down there, I don’t know what will.

Lolo Land – For all those locavores looking to find the latest designer duds from fashion lines from LA, Seattle and Portland check out the newly opened House of LoLo in Portland’s Pearl District. Blending a beautifully edited selection of vintage inspired looks with the perfect tee and jean staples, this store offers something more for the too-busy modern bombshell. Individual styling consultations are a courtesy for every client, as owner Laurie Moulton says, “We obsess so you don’t have to.”

Code Style – We love online boutique Future:Standard’s artful mix of ethical clothing accessories, but owner Jessica Althoff knows that the greenest outfit going is one you’ll treasure and keep. On Sunday, July 17, style seekers in San Diego will get the chance to get up close and personal with a fashion expert at Future:Standard’s latest event held at Maida Salon. Jessie Artique, a personal stylist (Style & Pepper) and blogger (the Concrete Catwalk), will be on hand to offer assistance with what to keep or toss, packing advice, and how to develop an enduring style statement. Plus, if there is anything from the site you’d like to try on, let Jessica know and she’ll bring it with your name on it. Currently offering a 20% off code (20HALFBDAY) to celebrate the store’s six month anniversary, there really is no excuse not to splurge.

The post Eco Style West Vol. 17 appeared first on EcoSalon.