ColumnWhite is synonymous with a lightness and ease associated with summer; it is flattering with every silhouette, looks fresh against sun kissed skin and never goes out of style. Wear a summer white dress casual or dressy–it’s always a blank slate to accessorize. On Trend this summer, here are seven of our favorite white dresses.

1. Ingalls Dress by David Peck

Houston-based designer David Peck is a champion of impeccably tailored feminine garments, with the ease of American practicality.  This dress’ inward-collar neckline extenuates the shoulders for a subtle sexy touch.  Made from the light and luxurious 100 percent Raw Silk Noil. Socially responsible manufacturing add to the strength of this summer white dress.

$395, David Peck

2. Sheer Layered Shirt Dress by Carrie Parry

This dress is fashion forward, and the epitome of a simple staple garment you’ll want to keep forever (and even wear past summer). Made of 100 percent Bemberg Cupro and 100 percent handwoven Silk Georgette Overay, the dress is produced in New York City.  For every garment purchased a tree is planted through the non-profit Trees for the Future.

$385, Carrie Parry

3. Dickson Dress by Rae Francis

Designed and produced in New York City, this light summer white dress is effortlessly chic and fun for any occassion.  It’s made from 100 percent cotton and lined with white silk. Ariel Lilly and Christina Coniglio of Rae Francis describe their collections as ‘Desk to Dinner,’ classic and elegant for an easy going boho-lifestyle summer trend.

$281, Rae Francis

4. Scallop Dress by Loup Charmant

As if from a dream, this garment’s delicate and flowing silhouette is light and just right for summer.  Crafted with a deep V-neckline in the front, its structure was inspired by a found Victorian children’s dress.  Made with organic cotton in New York City.

$490, Loup Charmant

5. La Rambla Lace Dress by Nanette Lapore

Long time designer and advocate in New York City’s Garment Center, Nanette Lapore, mixes lace fabric with a mod silhouette for this cute summer dress.  The Mondrain-esq, asymmetrical detail adds a sense of fun to the charming lace.  Whether it’s afternoon tea or strolling on a city street, this dress gives a rich dimension of texture to the summer trend.

$378, Bergdorf Goodman

6. Clifton Pleated Dress by Lavuk

This dress’ playful drop waist and pleated skirt give a nod to the flapper of the ’20s mixed with the simplicity of modern design. Made with 100 percent cupro, a fabric with a delicate appearance but embodies a durability like cotton, it’s ethically manufactured in Los Angeles. For every Lavuk garment sold a tree is planted through the American Forest Releaf Program.

$260, Modavanti

7. Gianna Dress by Rag and Bone

Made in the US, this dress is a form-fitting take on the classic t-shirt dress.  The fabric is perforated, but it’s fully lined, so no added fuss over what slip to wear underneath. Made with 72 percent viscose, dress is up or down, it’s a sure staple for summer.

$395, Rag and Bone

Images courtesy of the brands featured

Lavuk Clifton Dress photo credit: Urban Outfitters via Wanelo

Nanette Lapore La Ramba Dress photo credit: Bergdorf Goodman

[Editor’s Note: On Trend columnist Johanna Bjork is on vacation and will return later this month. We welcome Juliette in her absence!]

The post On Trend: The Sustainable Summer White Dress 7 Ways appeared first on EcoSalon.

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.

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.

All shades of white are on-trend, especially if layered and mixed together.

Even though it hasn’t been a very white winter in many places this year, that doesn’t mean we can’t be in that winter white mood. We’ll just have to dress the part instead. All shades of white are very on-trend this spring (and now), especially if layered and mixed together. And, best of all, we can be fairly sure white will never go out of style.

Loup Charmant Bloomers
These super comfy bloomers are made from soft, airy 100% organic cotton. It’s a super sexy shape, and feels like wearing next to nothing.
The ruffles add some playfulness around the edges.
$47.50, Loup Charmant

Miksani Cream Mohair Bobble Jumper Dress
On a cold day, wrap yourself up in this stunning 100% mohair jumper dress. Just wear it around the house or match with leggings and flat boots to keep cozy in style throughout the day. It’s hand knit in Nepal by World Fair Trade Organization Certified producers.
On sale for approx. $71, Think Boutique

Organic Cotton Handknitted Scarf
Long, cozy, and simple yet pretty, this is the perfect winter scarf. Hand knit in Apex, North Carolina, out of undyed organic cotton flat braid yarn by designer Julie Mullin, who works to create a larger market for organic fabric and help bring textile jobs back to North Carolina.
$72, BTC Elements

Sustainable House Shoes
I always wear slippers around the house, and seriously covet these sustainable house shoes. They’re completely hand-made in Chile with natural free-range Patagonian wool and upcycled and repurposed Salmon Leather. Each pair comes rolled up in a recycled cardboard tube with information about where it was made and the artisans that crafted each piece.
$59.99, Kellygreen Home

Cheek-ie Braided Organic Necklace
This chic statement necklace by Cheek-ie will add texture to any outfit. It will look the very best when layered on top of various shades of white. It strikes a good balance between bohemian and elegant. Made in New York from re-purposed cotton.
$70, Green With Glamour

Only Hearts Organic Chemise
This deliciously soft organic cotton nightie is subtle enough to wear out of the house as well. During these cold winter months, it makes a great layering piece — try it underneath your favorite knit sweater. Made in Peru, of 100% Organic cotton.
$45, Green With Glamour

The post On Trend: Winter Whites appeared first on EcoSalon.

Spring’s little white dresses will take you softly into summer.

A clean canvas to build from.

A youthful embrace.

A sexy something to spend a summer day in.

Can you hear it? Your Little White Dress is calling you.

We agree with Lucky Magazine: white dresses are right on trend and really, what don’t they go with? Here are some of our favorites this season:

Kelly B’s Cedar Voile Dress, 100% Organic Cotton Voile, $165

Elroy’s Larkspur Dress, 95% Modal, 5% Spandex, $73.50

Rogan’s Electra Dress, 100% Space-Dyed Jersey, (optional black, 100% silk slip included), $375

Loomstate’s Nautilus Dress, 100% Organic Heavy Gauze Cotton, $295

Feral Childe Loopy Pleated Dress, 100% Organic Cotton, $145

Loup Charmant’s Raglan Touring Dress, 100% Organic Cotton, $312

Linda Loudermilk Lounge Dress, 100% Seacell, $192.50

Main image: John Patrick Organic

The post The Little White Dress Comes Out to Play appeared first on EcoSalon.

When you hear the term ‘eco lingerie,’ do you think: beige, bland and boring? We hate to break it to you, but you’ve been out of the game too long. Summer flings, vacations, weddings and sultry nights are on the horizon, and we’re here to loop you in on red hot green lingerie that will knock your partner’s socks off. From the playful and coy, to the sexy and seductive, here’s your guide to the best sustainably crafted unmentionables that are sure to help you ring in a season of frolicking good, green fun.

Eco-Boudoir

With the belief that lingerie is like a second skin, Eco Boudoir designs gorgeous lingerie crafted from certified organic cotton and silks that are cultivated sans harmful chemicals. Their spring/summer 2010 collection, Tropical Paradise, will equate to many mini-vacations in the boudoir. A Bird of Paradise organic silk gown, ‘butterfly dream’ prints across slinky bras and panties, and a ‘peacock blush’ organic cotton and silk chemise round out this breathtaking collection.

Knickers in a Box

Handmade in the UK using organic and end of line fabrics, vintage, or UK sourced fabrics, Knickers in a Box are playful and unique panties that are perfect for a special occasion. Detachable broach flowers, organic silk side ties, tassles and beads add up to make these knickers an event in and of themselves.

Enamore

Also designed and crafted in the UK, Enamore lingerie employs organic, sustainable and vintage fabrics to produce their show-stopping collection of va-va-voom underthings. On the prowl? Then don’t miss the highlight of their camisoles and nighties collection, the Bedrock Betty camisole, which boasts leopard print topped by a candy pink bow.

Loup Charmant

Two words: white hot. Loup Charmant lingerie proves that white is far from plain with their organic cotton see-through slip and barely there short nightie top and bloomer set. This luxurious collection of eco-lingerie drips with femininity and grace.

Perfectly Imperfect

If you’re looking for sexy lingerie that also translates to daily wear, Perfectly Imperfect lingerie has a wow factor while also being down to earth. Their organic cotton Sweetie Lace Nightie screams both seduction and comfort, making it an ideal addition to your green lingerie collection.

Luva Huva

Employing remnant fabrics and cut-offs that would otherwise go to waste, designer Joanna Ketterer of Luva Huva makes every garment in her collection herself, by hand. The utterly romantic Magnolia Bra and Knickers set is perfect for a wedding night, your own or someone else’s. Each piece in this exquisite collection has an old-fashioned vibe that is anything but straight-laced.

The post 6 Sexy Green Lingerie Styles for Red Hot Summer Nights appeared first on EcoSalon.