Get ready for the season of perpetual warmth by stocking up on some summer layers that can go from waterside to date night.

1. One piece suit and tunic

Sure, you don’t need a coverup, but when you can slightly cover your core and extremities with something that’s this cute, we say why not? This sheer, gauzy tunic comes in three colors—ivory, pink, and gold. It features a delicate crochet pattern and side tie accents. Priced at $78. We paired this tunic with the suit pictured above because they both share that ever popular boho look. The one-piece suit comes in khaki and pink, has a low back, and a gentle scoop neck. Priced at $170.

2. Bodysuit and wrap skirt

Wrap skirts are always a wonderful summer option. This wrap skirt can be worn long, short, and can even be fashioned into a dress ($98). For this look, though, we’re partial to wearing the wrap as a skirt and pairing it with a bodysuit ($58). This floral suit features a cutout and a tie at the bust. When paired together, the look is flirty—perfect for a date on the beach.

3. Lace bodysuit with gauzy maxi dress

If you’re looking for an ultra-sexy layered outfit, consider pairing the above sheer maxi dress ($118) with a lacy bodysuit ($177). This maxi dress may be long and shapeless, but its gauzy silhouettes create an alluring look. Wear this bodysuit underneath the maxi dress to accentuate your curves while providing some minimal coverage. We love how these layers’ lace embellishments compliment each other.

4. Layered top

Sometimes, all you need to pull off a layered look is a relaxed fit, mock-layered top. This piece features two types of cloths that are layered atop one another—a red layer that has a high cutout and a layer underneath that has red and white stripes. Pair this look with shorts or jeans to stay comfortable and cool on a rainy, muggy day. Priced at $68.

5. Halter dress and coverup

We’re finishing up this list with a classic combination: a halter dress ($99.95) and a light summer pullover. This dress has a maxi fit with subtle cutouts around the knee down to the ankle. Pair it with this beautiful, flowing kimono ($98) with an open front. Perfect for cool nights when you want to look stylish but stay warm when you’re not hanging out by a beach bonfire.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Image of a woman in a sheer layered dress via Shutterstock

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Sometimes you just get tired of baring your arms in the summer. (I know once August comes, I’m about had it with upper-body sun exposure.) To appease the ladies who are tiring of their sleeveless summer wardrobe, we’ve rounded up 5 summer dresses with sleeves you can wear in the morning, for mid-day drinks, and when you’re out at night.

1. Wanderer Mini Dress

This dress takes the prize in the boho summer dresses with sleeves category because it’s sexy and subtle all in one. This beautiful dress comes from Free People. The floral shift dress features large, flowing bell sleeves that have a scalloped crochet trim. The back of this dress has cutouts that complement its mini length. Priced at $128 and comes in two colors (ivory and coral).

2. Braided Chambray Tunic Dress

Sometimes a simple sleeved dress is all you need (especially when you’re rocking any quirky summer accessories or a vibrant pair of platforms). This dress’ simple design also allows it to be a great seasonal transition dress — just throw on some cowboy boots, a wool hat, and a fringed jacket and you’ll be set for cooler days. This cotton tunic dress is sold at Anthropologie and goes for $148.

3. Alice & Trixie Silk Dress

ThredUp has a great summer dress selection but this one really stood out to us. We love the pattern, and adore the dress’ length and its flowing sleeves. Dress it down or dress it up, it’ll look great. Priced at $57.99.

4. Long Summer Dress with Short Sleeves and Eyelet Lace Cutout

If you’re looking for a classy vintage number to wear on a date, go this direction. The dress comes from Etsy shop Midnight Flight and is priced at $64. This maxi dress is vintage from the 1970s.

5. Summer Love Dress

And we wanted to end our summer dresses with sleeves list with the classic, sleeved, summer maxi. This dress is perfect for those late summer nights when the early fall chill starts to set in (because you can wear white after Labor Day).

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Dress with sleeves image from Shutterstock

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Picnic season is upon us! Get ready for every outdoor summery meal by picking up a few pretty picnic outfits now. Because once Memorial Day comes, you’ll be too busy to shop…

1. Beaded Beauty Romper

Rompers and jumpsuits are so in this season. We love this romper because it’s simple but very elegant (it would be ideal for an evening date picnic), and it will allow you to bend with ease. Pick from the pale green or the orchid hue. This jumpsuit would look great with a small, wedged heel and a chunky necklace (similar to the one pictured above). Priced at $168.

2. Summertide Swing Dress

We love this maxi dress because it’s long and flowing. And because it’s long and flowing, it’s a breeze to move around in. Also: This dress’ color scheme is on-point. To turn heads: pair with strapy wedges. To stay comfy: slap on a pair of simple, black flip flops and join in the game of Frisbee. Priced at $99.95 from Anthropologie

3. Basically Cool Top in White and The Day We Meadow Shorts

Nothing beats a great pair of trendy, high-waisted shorts and a simple white tank top when you’re outside all day long. Both these pieces come from ModCloth. While each piece is simple, they feature enough unique details (just look at those flowers) to make the wearer subtly standout. Wear with a pair of boho Birkenstocks to complete the look. The shirt is $19.99 and the shorts are $44.99.

4. J. Crew Casual Dress

This strapless sundress is the perfect attire for a summer solstice picnic. It’s simple, sunny, and strapless — our three favorite things! Complete the look with a pair of strapy gladiator sandals — be prepared for a ton of compliments. Priced at $31.99 from ThredUp.

5. Free People Casual Dress

This casual dress is incredibly beautiful and the appropriate amount of flirty, classy, and simple. This is another dress that would pair well with the on-trend, modern Birki’s, or no-heel sandals. Beaded, dangling jewelry is a must with this look. Also: Because this dress is from ThredUp, it’s much cheaper than its original, Free People price tag. Priced at $25.99.

Other accessories to consider pairing with these picnic outfits include:

Fringed bags

Sunglasses

Do you have any picnic outfits that you always wear? I tend to be a cut-off jean short and simple t-shirt kind of girl. I like to keep it simple because I often spill wine or ketchup on myself… Have you bought any new picnic outfits for the upcoming summer season?

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The post 5 Pretty Picnic Outfits to Turn Heads This Summer appeared first on EcoSalon.

Spring is just around the corner. To celebrate the soon-to-be budding season, spice up your wardrobe with one new, trendy piece: Something that’s fabulous and backless. Backless dresses and jumpsuits will be everywhere in the coming months.

1. The Bright Where It Belongs Dress from ModCloth

If you want to have all eyes on you when you walk into a room, add this backless dress to your wardrobe right now. It’s pink and features unique bronze beads. While the dress is a maxi at heart, it’s long, outer layer is sheer. Its inner, lined layer provides coverage like a mini. The frock is incredibly unique and priced at $79.99.

2. Embroidered Isolde Maxi Dress from Anthropologie

This maxi it a bit more understated but just as beautiful. It features an embroidered detail and a very slight bare back. It’s more of a keyhole dress than a backless dress, but not everyone wants to show a ton of skin all the time. You could probably even pull off wearing this dress at the office. Priced at $148.

3. Forget Me Not Halter Jumpsuit from Free People

Okay, so it’s not a dress, but just look at it! I never thought I’d say it, but I really want to own a jumpsuit. More specifically, this jumpsuit. It’s beautiful, form-fitting, and made of knit, features a halter-like top. This cotton jumpsuit would be a perfect addition to any trendy gal’s wardrobe. Priced at $348.

4. Ayu Dress from Free People

Free People kind of owns it when it comes the backless trend. And that’s why we had to include this frock, too. This mini dress comes in three colors that scream spring: dark purple, bali blue, and antique. This backless dress is shapeless, making it a perfect dress for late-summer picnics and parties. The dress also features: “tonal eyelet embroidery,” a “pleated, ruffled skirt,” and tassel ties. Priced at $128.

What do you think about the backless trend? Do any of these outfits make you swoon?

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The post 4 Adorable Backless Dresses Just in Time for Spring appeared first on EcoSalon.

Guess who just bought a shag jacket and a pair floral-print velvet pants? That would be me. Many 1970s fashions are back in a big way. We’ve combed through some fashion sites and have found a few ’70s styles that you can rock without looking like you crawled out of a disco club.

1. Simple Bell-Bottoms and White Crop Top

Yes, you can make bell-bottoms work. The trick is to pair these wide-legged pants with a simple, petite top, and a solid-print wedge, or a simple pair of sneakers. I love this flowing crop top from ModCloth paired with these “super” bell-bottoms from Free People. Both look classically ’70s, but totally fresh.

2. A Glam Pair of Heels

Truth: Glam was one of the most iconic ’70s styles and it should never die. You don’t need much more when you’re rocking glam-inspired heels. This pair comes from Etsy and would pair wonderfully with a velvet pair of hot pants and a black crop top. This outfit would be perfect for a hot date on a summer night. Ah, summer… I can dream, right?

3. The Maxi Dress

Not all maxi dresses are unflattering. This dress from Free People is quite beautiful. It’s white, features a high neck, and an elegant cut out in the back. It’s lined and ready for you to wear at the first spring picnic of the year.

4. The Faux Fur Vest

Yes, you, too, can enjoy the fur-look without harming a cute and cuddly animal. Fur accents made many appearances in the ‘70s, and now, you can replicate that look with this upcycled fake fur vest from Thred Up. Pair with a sky blue pair of skinnies, some brown wedges, and a roomy white button-up shirt, and you’ll be ready to rock on casual Friday.

Do you have any ‘70s styles you love? I’m partial to shag, astrological pendants (seriously), and bell-bottoms.

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Don one of these dreamy, comfortable and flowy maxi dresses this summer season!

July and August are full of days where you can wake up, throw on that easy and breezy maxi dress, simply brush your hair,  apply minimal make up and start the day with some fresh summer fruit. To help you savor these carefree days, we’ve rounded up our 6 favorite flowy maxi dresses that are suitable for casual outings, beach coverups and evening gatherings with friends.

Wear them up or down with either cork wedges or simple flats, or go barefoot when lounging in the comfort of a friend’s villa or your own home.

1. Elan Stripe Maxi Dress

Pictured above, this striking but simple maxi dress is flattering on any body type. The contrast between the vertical and horizontal stripes elongates the legs, while the fitted bodice accentuates the feminine waist. Made in the USA from rayon, the silky feel and easy care of this dress makes it the perfect outfit to pack along for your next getaway. Wear it with chic black leather stilettos or go natural with pair of flat, stripy sandals. $68

2. Maheya Cross Over Maxi

This gorgeous maxi dress defines boho chic and is the epitome of the Free People look. Made from 100 percent cotton, this dress is part of Free People’s Maheya Collection, which “is delicately handcrafted using natural techniques and dyes...and embodies the true spirit of Bohemia.” It’s perfect with gladiator sandals and chunky jewelry or cork wedges and tousled, beach fresh hair. $298

3. Evolusion Fashion Maxi Dress 

The attractive design of this maxi dress is sure to turn heads, but it is comfortable enough to wear whilst lounging on the couch for a movie night. Made in the USA from surplus viscose, this dress is perfect cross between sailor chic and mesmerizing mermaid. Wear on your next shopping trip or barbecue with friends – add some gold jewelry to glam it up a bit. $45

4. BCBG Max Azria Silk Maxi Dress

This second-hand maxi dress from BCBG Max Azria is available through ThredUp, an online platform where individual sellers can part with garments they no longer want. Originaly $498, this gorgeous maxi dress is being offered up at a 82 percent discount, which is more than a bargain in our opinion! Made from 100 percent silk, this luxurious and flowy maxi dress is your next ensemble  for a summer wedding or important cocktail party. Get it before it’s gone! $89

5. Alternative Apparel Maxi Dress – Eco Racer

This basic maxi dress from Alternative Apparel is made from a blend of recycled polyester and cotton, and designed to be a simple, comfortable and flattering summer cover-up. Ideal for beach days or vacations in the tropics, this simple dress will easily take you from day to night, brunch to beach to dinner. Who could ask for more? $64

6. Galuh Kenanga Bali Empress Maxi Dress

If you’re looking for something more colorful and eye-catching, this maxi dress from Indonesia is just the ticket. Designed by Galuh Kenanga and made from traditional Balinese floral batik patterns in shades of purple and brown, this empire line maxi dress is a wonderful option for events or special occasions and dinner dates or formal parties.  $78

Check out and shop all of the looks here: 

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As buyers peruse markets all over the world, trying to scope out what’s fresh and new amidst garment racks, look books and line sheets, when they find something that is different, it’s a thrill.

So it was when on my own buying trip. I stumbled across Jai, tucked away neatly in a corner of the NOW Showcase’s sustainable marketplace. I’m already familiar with Jai designer Kizzy Jai Knight, but what she proposed for spring 11 was nothing short of paradise and luxury and softness galore.

Maintaining the brand’s aesthetics of layer-friendly silhouettes, Knight has taken her line to a sustainably ethereal level with organic Ahimsa Silk, organic cotton, silk/cotton blends and Tencel. She employs hand-dyeing (by way of locally grown fruits and vegetables) to add various hues of pink, saffron, ivory, rust and blues. The collection feels young, which is a refreshing forward look after a long fall and winter of knitwear, tightly wound scarves and double-buttoned jackets.

For this collection, Knight looked at coral reefs and how they’re formed by the interactions between a community and its environment.

“Having worked with vegetable dyed silk last season and musing on the natural intelligence of Coral Reefs desires to include more of our immediate surroundings was at the root of our organic color adventure for this season,” says Knight. “We want to the collection to speak of the delicacy of the coral reefs so hand dying enables us to create garments that are all unique.”

Her  spring 2011 collection (all produced in New York City), includes frocks with pockets, ruffle trim dresses, an open-backed maxi dress, backless shifts, a flyaway poncho, wraps and, according to Knight, “the perfect white sun dress that women spend the early part of every year searching for.”

My favorite? The Melissa (top) in all its saffron glory.

Special Offer for EcoSalon Readers: Because most of you don’t want to wait until the spring to buy, Jai is offering pre-orders for both the fall 2010 Sunningdale Classic Dress (below) for $220.80  and the Melanie Dress (below next) for $195.50.

Sunningdale Classic Dress

Melanie Dress

Made from Tencel, which feels like a sophisticated denim (but with a subtle shine), you could wear either of these two dresses for upcoming holiday soirees and into spring until you get your Jai hand-dyed frocks. If you want one of these limited edition pieces, just drop me a line at amy @ ecosalon dot com.

The post Editor’s Pick and a Special Offer for EcoSalon Readers: Jai’s New Luxury appeared first on EcoSalon.