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Today, we celebrate the 4th of July and the USA by highlighting some of the great design that is also made here on our home turf.

This week is all about celebrating the United States of America (and BBQs, of course), and we do that by highlighting some of the great design that is done here on our home turf. Manufacturing in the U.S. creates jobs and cuts carbon emissions from shipping, so be a patriot and support your local designers. Here are a few of our stars and stripes-themed favorites.

Amour Vert Paquerette Navy/White Stripes Tube Top
We never thought we’d wear tube tops again, but suddenly they feel kind of right, especially on a hot summer day, paired with a high-waisted skirt. This striped one, by Amour Vert is made in the USA from soft bamboo.
$34, Amour Vert

Amour Vert Audrey White Buttoned Skirt
This sailor-inspired mini skirt goes perfectly with a striped tube top (see above). The fun button-detailing in the front give it that slight nautical feel, while the side pockets and clean silhouette keep it classy. Made in the USA, from organic cotton.
$99, Amour Vert

Hovey Lee Stella Stars Necklace
If there are stripes, there must be stars. This dramatic statement necklace features large metal star charms hanging from a large brass chain, all made with reclaimed metal. The charms are hollow to make it easy to wear. You can make it work double-duty by wrapping it around your wrist as a bracelet. Hovey Lee jewelry is designed and made in Los Angeles, always from natural, reclaimed and fair trade materials.
$158, Hovey Lee

PACT Bikini Handpainted Stars Bikini
OK, so these star-spangled organic undies are not actually made in the USA, but in a fair trade factory in Turkey. PACT’s new stars and stripes-themed collection was, however, inspired by a hunky Texas farmer named Mason Arnold, with proceeds benefiting the Sustainable Food Center, which provides families in low-income communities with access to healthy local food. That just seems kind of patriotic to us.
$20, PACT

American Apparel Unisex Swim Trunk
American Apparel has been the mainstream poster child of bringing local manufacturing to downtown LA, which we think is pretty cool. We just wish they would commit to organic fabrics too. These mid-length unisex swim shorts have vented legs, a drawstring waist and come in a variety of different colors.
$34, American Apparel

Giant Dwarf Astral Crown
Celebrate independence day by channeling lady liberty with this headpiece made from German glass glitter (which is pure silver and real glass shards). There’s no way you can avoid having fun wearing this. Astral Crowns are an original Giant Dwarf design – each piece is carefully crafted and assembled by hand, with lots of love and sparkles.
$48, Olivine

Edith A. Miller Cotton Boatneck Striped 3/4 Tee
This classic boatneck tee is as timeless as it is all-American – a perfect summer wardrobe staple. The versatile knits by Edith A. Miller are all made in a 100-year-old mill in Reading, Pennsylvania, which originally specialized in making men’s undershirts. In late 2010, former investment banker Nancy Gibson and designer Jennifer Murray convinced the mill to start making women’s shirts, which have ever since been a favorite of stylish women everywhere.
$70, Bird

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How to wear polka dots without looking like a 50s pinup.

Polka dots. You’ve seen them on the runways but aren’t quite sure how to wear them without looking like a 50s pinup or your grandma’s apron. Fear not, there are plenty of ways that this classic pattern can fit into a stylish eco-fashionista’s wardrobe.

Stella Wedge by Calleen Cordero, $455, Juno & Jove // Stella Stars Necklace, $128, Hovey Lee // Lina Rennell Recycled Leather belt, $165, Beklina // Polka Dot Sweater, Approx. $550, Chinti & Parker // Stella Vino clutch by Raven Kauffman, $325, Juno & Jove // Baby Toes Cactus polish, $12.50, Priti NYC // A Line Mini Skirt, on sale for $104, Edun

Let’s start with a Polka Dot Sweater from Chinti & Parker, a basic, versatile piece perfect for a first envoy into this polka dot trend. The mixing of patterns is very hot right now. Don’t be afraid to try ones that you wouldn’t think at first glance will go together — that’s where the magic happens. Mix your polka dot pattern with more pattern, like this woven mini skirt or a bright floral pattern or – why not – a smaller polka dot print on a dark background.

Stars are all the rage right now and just happen to be a great complement to those dots. This necklace from Hovey Lee will ensure your look is more tough than sweet. Add visual interest with with a burgundy bag by Raven Kauffman and shoes by Calleen Cordero. Finish off the look by adding some bright yellow – one of the hottest colors this spring – accents like a belt and nail polish.

If you’re still not convinced that you can rock the polka dots, try a dotty manicure (here’s a tutorial on how to do it yourself).

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EcoSalon and Pure Citizen partner to bring a week-long flash sale.

All this week, EcoSalon, in partnership with Pure Citizen is offering daily curated sales featuring ethical fashion and organic beauty products with some of the top, independent sustainable designers in the field.

Shopping with a conscience and aiding designers in their quest to move merchandise? Don’t get me started.

This week’s flash sale line-up at Pure Citizen includes:

Monday: Hovey Lee jewelry (continues today)
Tuesday: Love Bottle and Julie Apple handbags
Wednesday: Good Society denim
Thursday: True Products soaps and Peacekeeper Causemetics
Friday: Lara Miller clothing and Rebagz

For those of you who have never heard of Pure Citizen (tsk, tsk), the site is a members-only site featuring “Companies that have heart,” and information beside each product that display how that product is conscious.

Founder Amy Ludwigson writes of her designers: “They are providing employment and job training for the underprivileged, building wells, reducing global pesticide use, saving children from slavery, rescuing women from prostitution, creating healthier products, and are overall committed to making the world a better place.”

Each sale only lasts three days so get over to Pure Citizen now!

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