This week’s theme may have something to do with me being on vacation in the Canary Islands. But, no matter where in the world you’re in and how cold the outside temperature happens to be, these tropical-themed pieces will liven up any wintry ensemble and make you feel like sunny days are still here.

Manimal Scrap Earrings
If you have to wear a knit hat you can still make your style shine through. These attention-grabbing earrings are made from repurposed scraps from the making of Manimal´s cute moccasins.
$40 for one, Manimal

Cheek.ie Floral Bracelet
This gorgeous cuff is hand made in Brooklyn, NY, from six layers of knotted vintage fabrics.
$48, Kaight

Embroidered Hemp Coin Purse
This cute little coin purse is made from hemp and lined with silky bamboo. It´s 100% vegan and will make you happy to reach for that spare change at the bottom of your bag.
$21.95, apple & bee

Amazon Necklace by The Andean Collection
This bright and cheerful statement necklace is made using a combination of açaí, jaboncillo and tagua discs in bright colors, that all come together with a twist.
$125, The Andean Collection

Strappy Floral Sandals
These sultry heels from H&M´s latest Conscious Collection will work well with your favorite LBD and thick black stockings through the winter.
$69.99, H&M

Lalesso Maradufu Dress
Wear this summery print dress with black tights or skinny jeans and a blazer to instantly brighten up a gray day.
$44, Lalesso

The post On Trend: Tropico appeared first on EcoSalon.

The Maradufu Dress is a great option for looking crisp on hot, summer days.

Lalesso was formed by co-designers Olivia Kennaway and Alice Heusser after a holiday to Lamu Island off the north coast of Kenya. Their site reads that both Olivia and Alice “are children of Africa and have been wrapped in its beautiful fabrics since birth. After studying fashion design together in Cape Town the pair were impelled to harness the magical beauty of the East African ‘khanga’, also known as ‘lesso’ to create vibrant and care free summer fashion. And so, Lalesso, an exclusively summer clothing and lifestyle brand which uses the khanga as a trademark to all of its designs, was born.”

We love the Kenya made Maradufu tea dress with, as Kate from Kaight calls it a “fly away wing effect.”

On sale at Kaight for $96.60. Totally hip straw hat not included but urge you to buy…

Look for Lustables daily at EcoSalon. 100% gorgeous green finds, and never sponsored. Submit your favorite to tips@ecosalon.com

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You know warm days are truly coming to an end when fashion packs are racing around New York City’s famed fashion week dressed in fall looks determining what we’ll be wearing the following spring. Next week, sustainable style gets its day in the sun when the Now spring ’11 showcase goes on display. Showing menswear, womenswear and accessories from a strong bunch of independent, consciously-minded labels, the NOW Showcase has grown substantially since they launched nine designers to eighteen.

“Since we started 2 years ago we have doubled in size. I think our success is due to the honest community we have formed. Many of the designers return each season and really like the atmosphere and vibe of the show. We are non-competitive and all support and help each other out throughout the year. We have a loyal following of buyers as well as designers, its become a place people come to because they know they will see old and new friends,” says Creem designer, Raina Blyer.

Knowing that there’s enough love and goodwill to power most of New York City at NOW, we turn to the designers to ask them one question: “What was your favorite part of designing spring 11?”

Here’s what they had to say.

Deborah Lindquist

“I’m launching a whole new brand based on urban, feminine t-shirts and t-shirt dresses in organic cotton and micro modal silk blends.  I’m still doing my more couture based collection but the emphasis has shifted for spring to bustiers, sweaters, and gowns. So my new focus for spring ’11 is t-shirts and ballgowns!” – Designer Deborah Lindquist

AngelRox

“What I liked most is the organic nature in which AngelRox  continues to evolve thanks to the lovely community of customers that support it. It’s their desires and needs I listen to and create new pieces for the collection based on their inspiration.”
– Designer Roxi Suger

Jai

“This season we worked with vegetable and fruit dyes! We had a blast blending, soaking and washing! JAI is now deliciously regal!” – Designer Kizzy Knight

EcoSkin

“We’ve been working with an amazing new sustainable fabric called Sorona corn jersey and we have been busy testing different weights and processes. It is always exciting to feature fabrications that are not currently out in the market but are sustainable – this is the best part of my job. Creating amazing bodies that feel comfortable and look chic is what dressing women is all about!”
– Designer Sandy Skinner

Chulette

“We try to push ourselves. Since we first introduced organic and sustainable material into our collection last fall, we’ve done more research and designed a collection using as much sustainable material as we could while still retaining our aesthetic. It’s exciting to offer something green that is feminine, modern and sophisticated.”
– Designer Lee Phutrakul

Origin Twenty Three

“This season we are expanding the agency from strictly fashion to also include lifestyle products such as essential oils, traditional herbal tinctures and elixirs, teas and herbal honeys. Inspired by my time this summer spent studying the botanical characteristics, medicinal properties, and therapeutic uses and effects of the herbs grown on the Goldthread Apothecary, Herbal Farm farm in Pioneer Valley, Western Mass. I am delighted to be showing JAI’s whimsical Spring collection produced here in NYC and hand dyed with turmeric, strawberries and natural plant dyes.” – Origin Twenty Three Owner and NOW Showcase Co-Founder, Eileen Moran

Juleselin

SDN

Lalesso

Manisse

The post NOW Showcase: A Sustainable Curation of Design and Designers – Part Two appeared first on EcoSalon.