Celebrate the first blush of spring by leaving dark winter clothes behind and opting for soft hues of pink.

At first blush, it seems like spring is here to stay. Before we bring out those summer whites, let’s go through a transition period where we leave those dark solids of winter behind and instead opt for different hues of pink. There is no right or wrong, every shade of pink is equally on trend this spring. Combine your pinks with other pinks or soft beige hues for that sweet spring look that we are all so craving right now.

Hewn Ring with Ruby by Dawes Design
Jennifer Dawes’ exquisite jewelry combines her love of ancient civilizations with current cultural influences to make pieces that are modern with a distinct heirloom quality. All pieces are handmade to order at Dawes’ studio in rural Sonoma County, California. Available in 18k yellow, white or rose gold.
$1,950.00, Green With Glamour

Cosí Nero Quasi Blue Short Jumpsuit
Part of eco-fashionista Livia Firth‘s selection for shopping site Yoox, this jumpsuit by Italian designer Federica Martin Wedard sneakily looks like just a pretty dress from the front. When seen from the back, you realize it, indeed, has legs. It’s made from 100% organic cotton bio-satin and decorated with hand-painted brush strokes.
$648, Yoox

Angle Tee by Indigenous Designs
This tee by Indigenous Designs is fairly made in Peru from 100% organic cotton jersey and dyed using low impact dyes. The delicious raspberry pink color makes it the perfect match for a pair of pale pink shorts (see below). The flattering V-detail in the front gives it a twist that is part super hero part vamp. We like.
$53, Indigenous Designs

Balance Heels by Olsen Haus
One thing you don’t want to do is finish off your blushy outfit with a black pair of heels, it’s way too harsh and takes away from the soft look we’re going for. Instead, opt for a pair of nude heels like these vegan beauties from Olsen Haus. The silver strap creates a nice contrast with the cork heel without demanding too much attention.
On sale for $90, Mission Savvy

The Short Short by IOU Project
A pair of pale pink shorts is definitely a must-have this summer. The IOU Project produces unique, handmade apparel based on fabrics handwoven in India. Each IOU garment has a QR code, which you can scan to find out more about the artisans who made these shorts – probably one of the few times when transparency is a good thing when it comes to shorts.
Approx. $87.50, IOU Project

Zoya Nail Polish in Jessika
Nail polish is without a doubt one of the biggest trends right now and it’s a really fun and easy way to pull an outfit together. Just make sure you reach for the non-toxic stuff, like this nail polish from Zoya. This hue is called Jessika and is a flattering girly pink nude that’s both professional and adorable.
$8, Zoya

The post On Trend: First Blush appeared first on EcoSalon.

Keeping those New Year’s resolutions can be made easier by incorporating stylish reminders into your wardrobe.

Here we are, a few days into the new year and hopefully still on track with our resolutions. Whatever your resolution may be — eating more veggies, practicing more gratitude, helping rebuild disaster areas, giving up bottled water or supporting sustainable seafood —  you can probably find an item of clothing that will help serve as a reminder.

Eat Your Veggies Mushroom U-line Tank
Resolution: I will eat more veggies. Besides being one of my favorite veggies, mushrooms provide a wealth of protein, fiber and vitamin C, and have also been shown to boost heart health, lower risk of cancer; promote immune function; ward off viruses and help balance blood sugar levels. Designed and made in the USA, this tank top is made from 100% Siro Micro Modal (derived from sustainable beechwood) and printed with water based inks.
On sale for $20, Revenge Is

Practice Gratitude Bamboo Wear with Organic Cotton
Resolution: I will practice gratitude. This soft tee is made in a Fair Trade facility that guarantees a fair wage and safe working conditions, from a silky blend of 70% bamboo and 30% organic cotton. As a bonus karmic reward, a tree will also be planted for every tee you buy. Now there’s something to be grateful for.
$34, Tees For Change

United by Blue 167 Tee
Resolution: I will give up bottled water. 167 is the average number of water bottles disposed of in the ocean per person. If we all pledge to give up bottled water in favor of reusable bottles, we’d do a lot to help prevent the oceans from being clogged with plastic debris. When you buy this 100% Organic cotton tee, United by Blue does their part by helping remove one pound of trash from our waterways.
On sale for $26, Mission Savvy

PACT for Japan Light Boy Short
Resolution: I will help those less fortunate. PACT and Architecture for Humanity have teamed up to create this collection of organic undies, which supports the design and construction of a work-house for a cooperative of 15 fishermen in Shizugawa, a town where 70% of the structures were destroyed by the earthquake and tsunami in March. The cute pattern featuring Japanese lanterns is one of three designed by Yves Behar especially for the collection.
$22, PACT

United by Blue Sustainable Seafood Tee
Resolution: I will only consume seafood that is sustainable. When you purchase this 100% Organic cotton T-shirt, you help United by Blue remove a pound of trash from oceans and waterways around the world. When you check out, you can even choose — from one of three cleanup sites — where you want this pound of trash to be removed from. We should all aim to make sure that all the seafood we consume comes from a sustainable source. Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch guide is a great resource that will help you move toward that goal.
$34, United by Blue

peaceBOMB Resolution Wrap
Resolution: I will work toward a more peaceful world. This wrap bracelet is made from vintage silk string from France and a hand cast tag and comes wrapped around a resolution card for you to write down your goal. For each bracelet sold, Project peaceBOMB is able to clear one meter of bomb littered land in areas of Laos previously ravaged by war. Wear it around your wrist as a constant reminder of your resolution (and our collective desire for a more peaceful world).
$16, Project peaceBOMB

The post On Trend: Stylish Resolution Reminders appeared first on EcoSalon.

 Just in time for the holiday shopping and gifting season: The Box is back!

Our exclusive EcoSalon shopping must-have, the curated eco product assortment known as The Box, is back. We’re offering $500 worth of holiday eco-goodies for just $99 and these won’t last. That’s a guarantee.

The Fashion Box is chock full of organic jewelry and perfume, warm mittens, scarves and much more – a perfect gift or gifts for the sustainable fashion lovers in your life. These items can also just be for you to revel in without a lick of remorse. Featuring full-size gorgeous green goods, hop on this now or miss out!

(If you do miss out this time around, our friends at SheFinds are hosting a giveaway for the last remaining Fashion Box standing. Head on over to their site and register to win!)

Just look at what we have in store for you this time around:

Gaiam Cable Knit Capped Mittens

Gaiam’s Cable Knit Capped Mittens are made from eco-friendly organic cotton that is ultra warm yet breathable. Wear them as mittens or turn down the flap for fingerless gloves. Couldn’t be cuter.

(Retail value of $42.00)

Leotie Natural Eau De Parfum by Tallulah Jane

Tallulah Jane’s Leotie is like a beautiful deep bouquet of meadow flowers. Blended from botanical essences, resins and balsams, Tallulah Jane scents are an ever-evolving olfactory experience. Organic and wild crafted oils are mixed together in certified organic grape alcohol or jojoba, then hand-poured in small batches. No two vintages are exactly alike, so your Tallulah Jane scent is categorically unique, as if designed by nature – especially for you.

(Retail value of $48.00)

Lara Miller’s Thome Necklace in Rust

Lara Miller’s eponymous line is manufactured in Chicago and strongly influenced by the city’s architectural and cultural landscape while being fashioned from eco-friendly fibers such as organic cotton, hand-loomed bamboo, hemp and vegan silk. Lara says her designs are created with a playful geometry that connects to the personalities of the women who wear them. Her tiered Thome Necklace in Rust ( image above) is made from 100% recycled cotton.

(retail value $70.00)

MATT & NAT Naos Change Purse

The MATT & NAT line is cruelty-free, using no animal products. As an example of the spirit and commitment of MATT & NAT, all linings of their bags and wallets are made of 100% recycled plastic bottles – in fact, on average they recycle 21 water bottles to make the lining of each bag. This cream pebble coin holder with tone-on-tone stitching and brown recycled lining is the perfect accessory to hold all those coins jangling around in the bottom of your bag.

(Retail value of $21.00)

Kyler Grass Minimal Hammered Hoops in Gold

Kyler’s famous handmade, hammered hoops are frequently caught on film gracing the ears of Hollywood starlets. These designer hoop earrings are made of recycled gold fill in the abstract shape of a blade of grass. Modern and minimalist, lightweight but rich in texture, with strength and shine where the hammer left its marks. They’re so comfortable you might forget you’re wearing them. But no one else will.

(Retail value of $58.00)

Yala Bamboo Scarf

There are so many ways to wear Yala’s super soft bamboo PashBu, you’ll want them in multiple colors. Knot it or wrap it around your neck for some hip, urban style or drape it elegantly over the shoulders of your little black dress as a holiday shawl. This particular scarf is a rich black that fades down to grey – the ombre effect giving it so much more depth than a solid scarf. We are in love.

(retail value of $32.00)

Scotch Non-Toxic Nail Polish and an On The Rocks Top Coat set

Scotch Naturals are an eco-friendly alternative to conventional solvent-based nail polishes. Their revolutionary water-based polishes condition your nails and provide a high-polished shine, and long-lasting salon quality finish. All polishes contain none of the chemicals found in standard nail polishes; they are “3 Free” as well free of ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, nitrocellulose, acetone, and heavy metals.

(Each polish comes with a top coat as well.)

(Retail value of $30.00)

Love Mert Wood Rings

Love Mert is a lifestyle brand created from the innate desire to make. The Love Mert collection of handbags, hats, scarves and jewelry is a culmination of life long loves starting with collecting glass marbles at flea markets as a child, building elaborate forts in the forests of Vermont, and dabbling in painting, pottery and weaving. All leather is either mill-end from various U.S. factories or recycled from vintage leather clothing. Hemp linen and organic cotton is hand printed with non-toxic, water based inks. Rivets are hand sculpted and cast in brass. All wood jewelry, as in the case of these geometric eye candy rings, is created from remnants from designer Melissa Michelsen’s father’s woodshop.

(retail value of $38.00)

How to Avoid Being Sad t-shirt

New York City-based writer Rachel Leigh Smith is doing her very best to avoid being sad everyday. In addi­tion to the How To Avoid Being Sad book and website, Rachel just completed work on Strange and Wonderful Crea­tures – a children’s book about artists and the art world. Her inspiring “Sadness Avoiding Tip” is printed on an organic cotton t-shirt with soy based inks. One size fits most.

(Retail value of $28.99)

$50 Gift Certificate

Dream. Compassion. Freedom. Instinct. Voice. These are the missions of Mission Savvy, an online eco boutique founded by green entrepreneur, fashionista and animal advocate Jennifer Miller. After years of heartache at the prevalence of animal abuse in our world, Miller put her savvy into action and founded Mission Savvy. Featuring vegan, ethical fashions curated for stylish everyday wear, Mission Savvy donates 5% of all profits to causes that support animal conservation, health, emergency aid, and awareness.

Zkano Thigh High Socks

Zkano makes all their socks sweat-shop free in the U.S. from the highest quality certified organic cotton grown without the use of pesticides and fertilizers. They do this so that the socks are more comfortable, more durable and better all around – for the environment, growers, knitters, and for you. A return to better philosophies, better processes and better results, Zkano’s Thigh High Socks come to you with an ultimate promise to always feel soft, cushy, and like absolute heaven on your feet. Plus, they’re totally sexy.

(Retail value of $16.00)

Imperial Knits Dangling Dreams Belt Kit

Jeanne Carver, Imperial Ranch co-owner, who runs the family’s 140 year old farm with husband Dan on 30,000 acres of Oregon’s desert high country says basic crochet stitches are all you need to know to create this fun-to-wear belt from one of their knit kits. Post stitches create the belt loops and a simple twisted cord serves as the tie. The belt is easily customized to your size. Make your belt unique by sourcing your own beads. Made with Columbia Yarn.

(Retail value of $44.00)

To buy:

Please note that all editions of The Box are sold out except for Shelter and Fashion. Please be sure to select Fashion from the menu below.

Supplies are extremely limited – first come, first serve. Remember to include your shipping address! The Box is priced at $99 per box, with an additional $30 shipping and handling surcharge. Orders are shipped via UPS anywhere in the United States. Sorry, we can’t ship to P.O. Boxes and we cannot process international orders. If you have questions, drop us a line at contact@ecosalon.com.

The post The Box: Oh, the Fashion! Edition appeared first on EcoSalon.

ExclusiveEnter to win a free Summer Luxe Edition of The Box on Refinery29!

Our exclusive EcoSalon shopping must-have, the curated eco product assortment known as The Box, sold out in 11 hours. We’re thinking it’s probably because we offered $600 worth of sensational summer eco-goodies for just $99! We did bank one very highly coveted Box, however, for a Refinery29 giveaway. Yes, I said we have one Box left you can get for free. Just follow this link to Refinery29 and sign up for the giveaway. The winner will be announced on July 18th.

Now what are you waiting for, see what’s in The Box here and then get over to Refinery29 to register for it!

Juice Beauty’s Organic Kisses

Summer is the perfect time to increase your pucker potential with Juice Beauty’s Organic Kisses, a 4-pack of glossy color including a light champagne, pretty pink, sumptuous fig, and juicy sweet guava. Juice Beauty’s products are all organic and are made without parabens, artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances.

These lip glosses are part of The Box but if you purchase something from their site and use the code “EcoSalon,” you’ll also receive a full size hydrating mist.

(Retail value of $16.50)

Kayu’s Bamboo Rawa Sunglasses

Kayu’s sunglasses feature 100% UV gradient lenses framed elegantly in bamboo and includes a case and cleaning cloth. For every pair of sunglasses purchased, KAYU donates $20 to fund one sight-restoring surgery in the developing world. The collection has received rave reviews and has been featured in Vogue, InStyle and Elle, but this month it is all EcoSalon. Peruse the Kayu site for beautiful bags as well.

Go here to participate in an exclusive EcoSalon only sale with Kayu!

(Retail value of $130)

Bright Young Things Everything Halter Top

Eliza Starbuck, designer and founder of You Bright Young Things, recently created a capsule collection for Urban Outfitters and this Everything Halter is one of the pieces. Known for her inspiring creation of the LBD for Sheena Matheiken’s Uniform Project, Starbuck is offering her micro-tencel halter which converts into a number of different pieces (including a skirt), to us for The Box and we love her for that.

One size fits most and half will be black while the other half come in a burgundy (see the link to the Urban Outfitters site to see colors) – specify which one you’d prefer. First come first serve on this!

(Retail value of $89.00)

Recycled Cement Sack Tote

I’m not sure I can write this piece about the Recycled Cement Sack Tote better than the Global Girlfriend site did: “Make a concrete statement about your support for women in need in Bangladesh as they work to cement a new future! This shopper tote is a great bag for trips to the grocery or for daily use and you’ll feel good knowing your purchase has enhanced the lives of women artisans.” Handmade and fairly traded from Bangladesh and now, ready to hold all your summer 2011 beachy items.

(Retail value of $16.50)

Lucy Siegle’s To Die For: Is Fashion Wearing Out The World?

Author Lucy Siegle is a weekly Observer columnist, an environmental columnist for Marie Claire and a regular contributor to a number of other publications, television and radio. Her recent book To Die For: Is Fashion Wearing Out The World? is a look at the inhumane and environmentally devastating story behind the clothes we so casually buy and wear. Luckily, you’ll be reading this on a beach coated in non-toxic sunblock and in a skimpy bikini when you get to read about the impact your wardrobe choices make.

(Retail value of $25.00)

Yala’s Bamboo Dreams Beach Towel

We think something you just can’t be without this summer is a great beach towel and when we saw these from Yala, we knew we’d found the perfect one. Enjoy your time beachside, poolside or at the spa with your own natural towel made from bamboo and organic cotton. We love the Koi fish swimming among water lilies in cheerful colors. If you choose to purchase The Box, one of these three towel colors will be yours.

Go to the Yala site now and get 25% off these beach towels with EcoSalon25 code at checkout (expires July 31st).

(Retail value of $39.50)

VivaTerra Flowered Thermos

This lightweight, reusable enameled picnicware from VivaTerra is 34 ounces of double-walled thermos heaven. An antique look bows to a long gone era’s ornate enamelware design but still borrows from today’s technology to keep liquids hot or cold for many hours. Which, when you’re enjoying the beach all day and need liquids, this is vital (so is looking stylish drinking from this while there).

(Retail value of $55)

Blissoma Amend, Antioxidant Sprayable Lotion

The last thing we want to promote is ruining your delicate skin, and the summer sun will take your luster away if you let it. Irie Star let us give you Blissoma’s Amend, an antioxidant spray lotion designed to replace those sticky aloe gels with a power-packed formula of superfoods and herbs to regenerate skin. Organic Rooibos tea, Acai oil, organic Linden flower and Comfrey soothe and rebuild skin cells to be more resilient to resisting UV damage. Soak its minty-fresh cooling sensation in, sister.

Go to the Irie Star site now and get 2o% off Amend with EcoSalon code at checkout (expires July 31st).

(Retail value of $16.99)

Pawling Print Studio’s Geometric Notebooks

Sometimes sitting under a shady beach umbrella or taking a hike on your favorite trail gets you inspired. Pawling Print Studio’s notebook will help you make those thoughts linger in private (we hope) infamy. Their 32-page notebooks are printed with soy-based inks onto a chipboard cover and feature a wrap-around, hand drawn geometric illustration. The Box will have two of these mini notebooks which are perfect to jam in your back pocket or beach bag.

Go to the Pawling site now and get 15% off these notebooks with EcoSalon code at checkout (expires July 31st).

(Retail value of $8.00)

$50 Gift Certificate For Vegan Eco-Boutique Mission Savvy

Mission Savvy is a vegan eco-boutique that curates ethical designs for the conscious consumer. 5% of all sales go to animal rescue and wildlife conservation projects around the world so you can double up on feeling good about your purchases. $50 can go towards any item on the site over $100 which could include an organic cotton dress or pants, vegan heels, bamboo top or great accessories. You decide – but you’ll have a hard time doing that with how many great options there are!

Send us pictures.

Got to Mission Savvy’s site now to get 20% off all spring/summer. Enter ecosalon at checkout.

(Retail value of $50.00)

Coola Chemical Free Sunblock

Coola’s mineral sunblock with an SPF of 30 is a sheer and natural mineral sunblock that delivers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection for the whole body. Says Coola: “This unique formula gives your skin an army of time-released Vitamin C – nature’s powerful antioxidant that helps reduce visible aging by battling damaging free radicals.”

Rated by EcoSalon Beauty Editor Katherine Butler as one of her top eco-friendly suncare products!

(Retail value of $34.00)

FluffyCo T-shirt

FluffyCo’s premium apparel line unites organic cotton and eco-heather blends printed with FluffyCo’s signature graphic prints. Printed in small batches in the Bay Area, some styles using water–based inks. All shirts have a fabulous soft, luxe feel and cute hand–printed hangtags. They did this adorably hip bird pattern tee on an eco-heather exclusively for The Box and we now love them even more (if that’s even humanly possible).

(Retail value of $34.00)

Skincando Luxe Brew Lip Balms

Each Skincando lip balm is filled from small hand spun batches and is guaranteed to give your lips a magical glow. We loved how they were described to us from the company as smelling and tasting like Pizzelle cookies. The key essential oil in the balm is Myrrh, which has been used by royalty for centuries to heal and beautify the skin. I imagine this might be the best pre, during and post sun lip balm we may ever try.

(Retail value of $15)

$50 Gift Certificate From A.D.O. Organic Clothing

A.D.O. designer Angelika Krishna infused her spring line with impressionistic pastel hues derived from turmeric, sandalwood, pomegranate and Indian basil. 100% Organic knits and cottons are then treated to Ayurvedic ingredients to make buttery yellows, summer blues and hues derived naturally, from nature. The end product is a non-toxic, sustainable soiree of comfortable, breathable separates for spring and summer. $50 towards a beautiful dress or breezy tunic will go a long way here towards having something extremely beautiful in your warm weather wardrobe.

Go to the A.D.O. site now and get 25% off with EcoSalon code at checkout (expires July 31st).

(Retail value of $50)

Global Girlfriends: How One Mom Made It Her Business To Help Women In Poverty Worldwide

From the Global Girlfriend site: “In 2003 Global Girlfriend founder Stacey Edgar had a $2,000 tax return and a deep desire to help provide economic security for women in need. She knew that of the 1.3 billion people living on less than $1 per day, seventy percent are women. What she didn’t have was a business plan. Or a passport. But that didn’t stop her from creating a socially conscious business that has helped poor women in five continents feed their families and send their children to school. ”

It’s true, Global Girlfriend has since grown into a multi-million dollar enterprise that specializes in handmade, fairly traded, eco-conscious apparel, accessories, and items made by women all over the world. Stacey’s Global Girlfriends book is her inspiring story of following ones convictions. Sounds like a perfect summer read while snuggling in a hammock, oh, and then going to take over the world.

(Retail value of $24.99)

Aurea Golden Grass Earrings and Mini Box

Aurea is a fair trade business that brings jewelry and accessories made of golden grass handwoven by skilled artisans in Brazil to women all over the world. The company sources directly from artisans and producer-owned associations that decide on their prices and are in control of their production. The result is a collection of jewelry that has its own shimmer and shine from nature itself. Sustainable fashion writers Abigail Doan, Kestrel Jenkins and others (cough, us, Sara Ost and Amy DuFault), are often seen wearing Aurea jewelry. Light and pretty, they’re the perfect piece paired with a pretty summer dress.

The box below is a good place to store them so no sustainable fashion writers can sniff them out and try to steal.

(Retail value of both is $90)

Aurea’s Golden Grass Mini Box

How to get it + the fine print:

The Box is available now through July 31 or until supplies last and can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. (International shipping is not available at this time.) There is a $20 shipping and handling fee. All sales are final. Please allow up to two weeks for shipping. To purchase The Box, email thebox@ecosalon.com directly with “The Box” in your subject line. Supplies are extremely limited – this debut offering is available to the first 25 shoppers only. Please limit 2 orders per person. Payment accepted through Paypal or credit card.

The post EcoSalon Exclusive: Refinery29 and EcoSalon Partner for The Box Giveaway appeared first on EcoSalon.

ExclusiveIntroducing the Summer Luxe Edition of our dreamy discount shopping offer, The Box.

Our exclusive EcoSalon shopping must-have, the curated eco product assortment known as The Box, is back. We’re offering $600 worth of sensational summer eco-goodies for just $99 and these won’t last. This is a guarantee.

Featuring full-size gorgeous green goods, we advise you hop on this now or miss out!

Whether you’re off to one of our favorite eco tropical retreats or not, every sustainable babe needs these cool summer finds:

Juice Beauty’s Organic Kisses

Summer is the perfect time to increase your pucker potential with Juice Beauty’s Organic Kisses, a 4-pack of glossy color including a light champagne, pretty pink, sumptuous fig, and juicy sweet guava. Juice Beauty’s products are all organic and are made without parabens, artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances.

These lip glosses are part of The Box but if you purchase something from their site and use the code “EcoSalon,” you’ll also receive a full size hydrating mist.

(Retail value of $16.50)

Kayu’s Bamboo Rawa Sunglasses

Kayu’s sunglasses feature 100% UV gradient lenses framed elegantly in bamboo and includes a case and cleaning cloth. For every pair of sunglasses purchased, KAYU donates $20 to fund one sight-restoring surgery in the developing world. The collection has received rave reviews and has been featured in Vogue, InStyle and Elle, but this month it is all EcoSalon. Peruse the Kayu site for beautiful bags as well.

(Retail value of $130)

Bright Young Things Everything Halter Top

Eliza Starbuck, designer and founder of You Bright Young Things, recently created a capsule collection for Urban Outfitters and this Everything Halter is one of the pieces. Known for her inspiring creation of the LBD for Sheena Matheiken’s Uniform Project, Starbuck is offering her micro-tencel halter which converts into a number of different pieces (including a skirt), to us for The Box and we love her for that.

One size fits most and half will be black while the other half come in a burgundy (see the link to the Urban Outfitters site to see colors) – specify which one you’d prefer. First come first serve on this!

(Retail value of $89.00)

Recycled Cement Sack Tote

I’m not sure I can write this piece about the Recycled Cement Sack Tote better than the Global Girlfriend site did: “Make a concrete statement about your support for women in need in Bangladesh as they work to cement a new future! This shopper tote is a great bag for trips to the grocery or for daily use and you’ll feel good knowing your purchase has enhanced the lives of women artisans.” Handmade and fairly traded from Bangladesh and now, ready to hold all your summer 2011 beachy items.

(Retail value of $16.50)

Lucy Siegle’s To Die For: Is Fashion Wearing Out The World?

Author Lucy Siegle is a weekly Observer columnist, an environmental columnist for Marie Claire and a regular contributor to a number of other publications, television and radio. Her recent book To Die For: Is Fashion Wearing Out The World? is a look at the inhumane and environmentally devastating story behind the clothes we so casually buy and wear. Luckily, you’ll be reading this on a beach coated in non-toxic sunblock and in a skimpy bikini when you get to read about the impact your wardrobe choices make.

(Retail value of $25.00)

Yala’s Bamboo Dreams Beach Towel

We think something you just can’t be without this summer is a great beach towel and when we saw these from Yala, we knew we’d found the perfect one. Enjoy your time beachside, poolside or at the spa with your own natural towel made from bamboo and organic cotton. We love the Koi fish swimming among water lilies in cheerful colors. If you choose to purchase The Box, one of these three towel colors will be yours.

Go to the Yala site now and get 25% off these beach towels with EcoSalon25 code at checkout (expires July 31st).

(Retail value of $39.50)

VivaTerra Flowered Thermos

This lightweight, reusable enameled picnicware from VivaTerra is 34 ounces of double-walled thermos heaven. An antique look bows to a long gone era’s ornate enamelware design but still borrows from today’s technology to keep liquids hot or cold for many hours. Which, when you’re enjoying the beach all day and need liquids, this is vital (so is looking stylish drinking from this while there).

(Retail value of $55)

Blissoma Amend, Antioxidant Sprayable Lotion

The last thing we want to promote is ruining your delicate skin, and the summer sun will take your luster away if you let it. Irie Star let us give you Blissoma’s Amend, an antioxidant spray lotion designed to replace those sticky aloe gels with a power-packed formula of superfoods and herbs to regenerate skin. Organic Rooibos tea, Acai oil, organic Linden flower and Comfrey soothe and rebuild skin cells to be more resilient to resisting UV damage. Soak its minty-fresh cooling sensation in, sister.

Go to the Irie Star site now and get 2o% off Amend with EcoSalon code at checkout (expires July 31st).

(Retail value of $16.99)

Pawling Print Studio’s Geometric Notebooks

Sometimes sitting under a shady beach umbrella or taking a hike on your favorite trail gets you inspired. Pawling Print Studio’s notebook will help you make those thoughts linger in private (we hope) infamy. Their 32-page notebooks are printed with soy-based inks onto a chipboard cover and feature a wrap-around, hand drawn geometric illustration. The Box will have two of these mini notebooks which are perfect to jam in your back pocket or beach bag.

Go to the Pawling site now and get 15% off these notebooks with EcoSalon code at checkout (expires July 31st).

(Retail value of $8.00)

$50 Gift Certificate For Vegan Eco-Boutique Mission Savvy

Mission Savvy is a vegan eco-boutique that curates ethical designs for the conscious consumer. 5% of all sales go to animal rescue and wildlife conservation projects around the world so you can double up on feeling good about your purchases. $50 can go towards any item on the site over $100 which could include an organic cotton dress or pants, vegan heels, bamboo top or great accessories. You decide – but you’ll have a hard time doing that with how many great options there are!

Send us pictures.

Got to Mission Savvy’s site now to get 20% off all spring/summer. Enter ecosalon at checkout.

(Retail value of $50.00)

Coola Chemical Free Sunblock

Coola’s mineral sunblock with an SPF of 30 is a sheer and natural mineral sunblock that delivers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection for the whole body. Says Coola: “This unique formula gives your skin an army of time-released Vitamin C – nature’s powerful antioxidant that helps reduce visible aging by battling damaging free radicals.”

Rated by EcoSalon Beauty Editor Katherine Butler as one of her top eco-friendly suncare products!

(Retail value of $34.00)

FluffyCo T-shirt

FluffyCo’s premium apparel line unites organic cotton and eco-heather blends printed with FluffyCo’s signature graphic prints. Printed in small batches in the Bay Area, some styles using water–based inks. All shirts have a fabulous soft, luxe feel and cute hand–printed hangtags. They did this adorably hip bird pattern tee on an eco-heather exclusively for The Box and we now love them even more (if that’s even humanly possible).

(Retail value of $34.00)

Skincando Luxe Brew Lip Balms

Each Skincando lip balm is filled from small hand spun batches and is guaranteed to give your lips a magical glow. We loved how they were described to us from the company as smelling and tasting like Pizzelle cookies. The key essential oil in the balm is Myrrh, which has been used by royalty for centuries to heal and beautify the skin. I imagine this might be the best pre, during and post sun lip balm we may ever try.

(Retail value of $15)

$50 Gift Certificate From A.D.O. Organic Clothing

A.D.O. designer Angelika Krishna infused her spring line with impressionistic pastel hues derived from turmeric, sandalwood, pomegranate and Indian basil. 100% Organic knits and cottons are then treated to Ayurvedic ingredients to make buttery yellows, summer blues and hues derived naturally, from nature. The end product is a non-toxic, sustainable soiree of comfortable, breathable separates for spring and summer. $50 towards a beautiful dress or breezy tunic will go a long way here towards having something extremely beautiful in your warm weather wardrobe.

Go to the A.D.O. site now and get 25% off with EcoSalon code at checkout (expires July 31st).

(Retail value of $50)

Global Girlfriends: How One Mom Made It Her Business To Help Women In Poverty Worldwide

From the Global Girlfriend site: “In 2003 Global Girlfriend founder Stacey Edgar had a $2,000 tax return and a deep desire to help provide economic security for women in need. She knew that of the 1.3 billion people living on less than $1 per day, seventy percent are women. What she didn’t have was a business plan. Or a passport. But that didn’t stop her from creating a socially conscious business that has helped poor women in five continents feed their families and send their children to school. ”

It’s true, Global Girlfriend has since grown into a multi-million dollar enterprise that specializes in handmade, fairly traded, eco-conscious apparel, accessories, and items made by women all over the world. Stacey’s Global Girlfriends book is her inspiring story of following ones convictions. Sounds like a perfect summer read while snuggling in a hammock, oh, and then going to take over the world.

(Retail value of $24.99)

Aurea Golden Grass Earrings and Mini Box

Aurea is a fair trade business that brings jewelry and accessories made of golden grass handwoven by skilled artisans in Brazil to women all over the world. The company sources directly from artisans and producer-owned associations that decide on their prices and are in control of their production. The result is a collection of jewelry that has its own shimmer and shine from nature itself. Sustainable fashion writers Abigail Doan, Kestrel Jenkins and others (cough, us, Sara Ost and Amy DuFault), are often seen wearing Aurea jewelry. Light and pretty, they’re the perfect piece paired with a pretty summer dress.

The box below is a good place to store them so no sustainable fashion writers can sniff them out and try to steal.

(Retail value of both is $90)

Aurea’s Golden Grass Mini Box

How to get it + the fine print:

The Box is available now through July 31 or until supplies last and can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. (International shipping is not available at this time.) There is a $20 shipping and handling fee. All sales are final. Please allow up to two weeks for shipping. To purchase The Box, email thebox@ecosalon.com directly with “The Box” in your subject line. Supplies are extremely limited – this debut offering is available to the first 25 shoppers only. Please limit 2 orders per person. Payment accepted through Paypal or credit card.

The post EcoSalon Exclusive: The Box Is Back, Baby (and It’s Summer Luxe) appeared first on EcoSalon.

SeriesPart 2: The fashion industry is emerging from its cocoon post-recession, a changed sector where consumers are more cautious, manufacturers are on their toes and designers are struggling to stay afloat doing business as usual. In this five-part series, we take a hard look at the fashion world, speaking with industry leaders, luminaries and experts. This week we ask: Has the recession turned us into cheapskates so we can feel like fulfilled consumers?

Since 2007 they’ve popped up like dandelions: The discount clothing venues we love for all the hot bang we get for our hard-earned buck.

Gilt, My Habit, FashionStake, eBay Fashion, and now even discount eco-commerce sites like the recent launch of JP Selects and LovingEco tantalize us with a designer discount warehouse vibe that appeals to our need to shop. Recession? Heck no, we’re all the same when it comes to discounts whether wealthy or middle class, hoarders or sample salers who need to get more for less. If you think this concept is something new, just look back to post World War 2 consumer habits and you’ll see a direct link to the burgeoning of low-profit-margin strategies designed to attract price-conscious consumers.

The only thing that’s changed is the technology and marketing to hungry consumers and struggling designers.

NOW Showcase, 2011

Joslin Van Arsdale, owner of San Francisco’s Ecocitizen boutique, says sites like Gilt affect eco-commerce because they encourage the quick consumption of cheap, mass produced and disposable goods, and therefore skew the consumer’s perception of value.

“In the past a sample sale was last seasons leftovers. Today, designers who participate in Gilt sales are selling are specifically commissioned by the site and its buyers. Most of the items offered at flash sale sites, are past season designs, or popular designs reinterpreted into cheaper versions of  the original which enable companies like Gilt to maintain healthy margins while also offering  60-70% off.  This is similar to how Target and H&M do their designer collections, same name and design, just cheaper labor and lower quality fabrics,” says Arsdale.

If we think about low-pricing power in the classical sense of the term, we might look at the Wal-Mart volume model, with the idea that the more powerful you are (thousands of locations), the more you can drive your cost down. While we can understand that lower prices drives more sales in the short term, what about the integrity of the brand being sold? Do thoughtful designers really want to brand themselves as deep discounters offering bottom-barrel markdowns?

Designer Eliza Starbuck says it’s become a fear-based business for sustainable designers.

“It’s hard enough to be eco and fashion, an oxymoron in itself, but then having to go against the sustainable model and sell a whole lot of stuff seems pretty counter-intuitive,” says Starbuck.

Van Arsdale says sites like these are training shoppers to expect sales all the time and while in the short term this business model can be a great marketing opportunity for designers, in the long term, it erodes a brand’s perceived value.

“Judging from the success and proliferation of flash sites, it seems that the consumer is unaware that there is a difference in product and quality and mostly doesn’t care,” she says. “Shopping is evolving to a scale of extremes between the very cheap and the very expensive, with nothing in between, similar to what is happening to our middle class.”

But with a current valuation of some $400 million, Gilt Groupe appears to have more staying power than most fashion trends struggling to stay afloat in a traditional way. New York Magazine likens it to a safe haven for designers.

“Last year, as incomes tightened and the fashion industry was left with ruinous amounts of inventory, the company’s business model proved to be a counter-cyclical savior, sucking up goods that otherwise would have moldered,” says the magazine’s writer Andrew Rice, adding that some designers have found “Gilt’s model lucrative enough that they’ve decided to do away with their brick-and-mortar sample sales; others are now making clothes specifically for the site.”

As a result, more and more shops are turning to online sales only and closing brick and mortar venues.

Closed boutique on Newbury Street, Boston

We asked an eBay Fashion spokesperson, who insisted on anonymity, about traffic patterns since the company changed its selling model from what was already in the waste stream to recent high-profile collaborations with Alexander Wang and the CFDA. While they weren’t willing to release statistics at this time, they did respond with this statement:

“Fashion has a new home on eBay at fashion.ebay.com – a dedicated destination that delivers an enhanced shopping experience with new features and sales channels like Fashion Vault that make it easier than ever to explore, find and buy items based on favorite styles, brands and popular trends.”

No longer a hot spot solely for automotive enthusiasts – who in 2005 were eBay’s biggest audience –  eBay has evolved into a clothing and accessory mecca for all financial brackets. And sites like Gilt and eBay Fashion aren’t alone when it comes to selling luxe labels for less.

Trista Dedmon, consignment manager of Brooklyn’s best secret Eva Gentry, sells higher end designers that include Zero + Maria Cornejo, Helmut Lang, Alexander Wang, Marc Jacobs, Chloe, and Marni.

Dedmon says business has picked up with both customers and consigners each season since it opened about five years ago.

“There are definitely a wide variety of shoppers we cater to from the college students looking for affordable Alexander Wang to the established professional who wants to save on a mint condition Balenciaga piece,” she says.

Brooklyn’s Eva Gentry

When asked why, Dedmon says, “It is more than likely due to the current economic climate and everyone reassessing their values. If we become more conscious of our spending habits, this doesn’t necessarily mean our taste level changes. Customers still want designer level garments, but like to stay within their new found budget, which is where a store like ours comes in.”

As recently as 2008, stores like Eva Gentry were gaining popularity quickly, not only college students but with wealthy shoppers accustomed to pricey labels. USA Today writer Laura Petrecca wrote: “There have been many euphemistic labels applied to secondhand goods, including ‘gently used,’ ‘pre-owned’ and ‘like new.’ But in the current economy, they have a new and candid label: ‘hot sellers.’

In the same article, Petrecca notes that three-fourths of resale stores polled said they had higher sales in September and October than in the previous year, and according to the National Association of Resale & Thrift Shops, “The average sales increase was about 35%.”

So what of the plight of the sustainable boutique owner, the entrepreneur supporting conscious consumerism?

Mission Savvy’s brick and mortar store

Vegan boutique owner, Jennifer Miller, has her hands full with her shop, Mission Savvy. Miller has had to forge her way forward through the muck and mire of retail since she opened two years ago in the midst of the recession.

“People want to get more, pay less. Despite its goodwill, the price point on ethical fashion for the average consumer is a big turn off – and I’m in the market to turn people on. Better to purchase something from my store, support the ethical fashion industry, feel good about it with no guilt of over spending and therefore continue to return than not shop at my store at all,” Miller says.

She says her nontraditional approach to operating a boutique has her stocking ethical products but selling at a less than average mark up which is challenging – but it keeps her customers happy and coming back.

“We’re just not there yet as an economy and in commitment. Especially if you are far removed from the fashion industry and the appreciation of the art of it, so that leaves a lot of people spending lots of money on clothes with absolutely no purpose other than to buy something new that looks awesome,” says Miller.

“And as much as people do understand the concept of responsible consumerism, it still comes down to what money can buy and for a lot of us money does buy happiness. Spending too much money on very little is not as appealing as spending a little on a lot.”

The post The Post-Recession Fashion Industry: Discounted Sells appeared first on EcoSalon.

Dream. Compassion. Freedom. Instinct. Voice. These are the missions of Mission Savvy, an online eco boutique founded by green entrepreneur, fashionista and animal advocate Jennifer Miller. After years of heartache at the prevalence of animal abuse in our world, Miller put her savvy into action and founded Mission Savvy.

Featuring vegan, ethical fashions curated for stylish everyday wear, Mission Savvy donates 5% of all profits to causes that support animal conservation, health, emergency aid, and awareness. We are so pleased to offer a curated selection of designs this week, exclusively for EcoSalon readers.

Use the code “ecosalon” at checkout to receive 10% off in this very special collaboration. These are our select favorites, but the sale is happening sitewide so be sure to visit today!

Jenny Dress by Curator

The perfect warm weather LBD. The flirty A-line looks good on every figure. $110 before EcoSalon discount. $99 using promotion code “ecosalon” at checkout.

Imago Jacket by Kelly Lane

A butterfly print blazer from Kelly’s “Butterfly Collection” we love. Sweetly retro and ultra-feminine. Enough tailoring for a smart fit, and enough ease for summer’s more casual style. $170 before EcoSalon discount. $153 using promotion code “ecosalon” at checkout.

Balance by Olsen Haus

Vegan shoes never looked hotter. Sexy yet neutral to wear with everything all the way to fall. Doubly good because they’re made of recycled materials. $200 before EcoSalon discount. $180 using promotion code “ecosalon” at checkout.

Romantic Pullover by Clary Sage Organics

Slouchy pull-me-close perfection. The Clary Sage sustainable line supports local California organic cotton farmers. $75 before EcoSalon discount. $67.50 using promotion code “ecosalon” at checkout.

Abalone Dress by Feral Childe

Hello, girl! That’s Miller herself modeling this dress and the other selected items. From their Spring Collection, a journey through Roman seaside town Tarquinia, including this watercolor collage dress. $85 before EcoSalon discount. $76.50 using promotion code “ecosalon” at checkout.

Editor’s note: EcoSalon collaborations are always fresh – and exclusive for you. Visit weekly for new flash sales, deals and discounts from the best conscious brands.

The post A Curated Sale with Online Eco Boutique Mission Savvy appeared first on EcoSalon.

I’m a boutique owner with e-commerce skills – so why am I so fearful of ordering online? If I can’t get what I want locally then I will shop online, but I’m also very smart with my cash and don’t want to spend it on something I’ll just have to send back.

With this type of shopping (and possibly returning), you also have to think of carbon footprints, extra shipping and the fact that when you make the decision to buy something online it was special, on sale or just that perfect item you’d been looking for. It plain stinks to have to start the hunt all over again.

For those of you that have it nailed, I think we’d all love you to share your secrets in the comments, but for now, here are some tips that can get your online retail shopping ball rolling.

Know your measurements

You might think you can do it yourself, but just to play it safe, go to your favorite local tailor and have him or her measure you up. Get your bust, your hips and your waist measured so there’s no doubt.

Sites like Beklina have spots to click for sizing based on each size. Founder and designer Angelina Rennell says it’s important to know your measurements because designers all have slightly different sizing.

“A lot of our customers will email before making big purchases to double check on how the item is running – small, true to size, etc. We often get out the garment and measure for them. They can then compare that to their measurements. Customers should always feel comfortable emailing about sizing questions, sharing their size and inquire how the fit it running. They may say things like they’re really short or tall or big-busted and we can gauge if the style will work for them,” says Rennell.

If a brand fits, stick with it

You might be a fan of a line because you know they generally run a size large and whatever you get just always fits well. You might love the width of a certain type of shoe and the fact that they are always true to size. You know these things because you’ve always had success when buying them so stick with your winners.

Jennifer Miller owner of Charleston, West Virginia’s Mission Savvy says bamboo and hemp styles by labels such as EcoSkin are always reliably comfortable and true to size.

“The designer brings something new to the table every season and my online customers look forward to that. As far as dresses go, customers know what to expect from another tried and true label like Kelly Lane for colorful pieces. They also really appreciate that she goes up to a size XL and will follow her anywhere to get something new.”

Sizing or color question? Call the boutique!

The beauty of buying from small boutiques is that you don’t have to talk to someone halfway around the world who is not even in the boutique to get an answer.

Never feel silly calling. Small boutiques need to thrive and they can’t without you buying something that you’ll love and keep.

Julie Merriman, owner of Seattle’s Olivine says she always wants to make sure that her customers get the best possible customer service and make sure they love whatever arrives in the mail for them.

“One of the things I love about an online store versus a retail store is that people just don’t need as much help. Regardless, I am always happy to help customers with their questions,” she says.

You’ve got your order and it’s not that it fits bad, it’s just not like the picture

Before you give up and throw it back in the box or envelope to ship it back to the boutique, give them a call and tell them your feelings about the fit. Ask how they would style it and quite possibly with a few suggestions, your dream top or pants are again just that.

Olivia Bono owner of Sarasota, Florida’s Juno and Jove says a good design is made to fit lots of different body types.

“I consider the picture of the online model a starting point. You should get an idea of the fit and the unique details of the garment from the product photography, but style is about self expression. I myself am a medium, but I will often buy a size (or two) up or down depending on how I want to make that garment work on my body. We also like to keep our local tailors in business! If a pocket on the hip sags a bit too much or a wrap front top makes you feel a little too flashy, take it in to get tacked and tucked,” she says.

Beware the “Sale” designers

I have a t-shirt that says “I Heart Designers” and I really do but for those items that are always on sale, I say beware. There’s often some really good reasons why they are – including the fit, tightness, sheerness or armpit holes being too big. Or it might have been the buyer’s fault – caught up in the hype of the market, thinking they could really sell the piece or they misjudged their customer’s taste. Many things come into play and it’s worth it to call the shop you’re ordering from. If it’s cheap enough and can be altered by your favorite tailor, then it might still be worth the purchase.

For me, the big red flag is that both an urban and suburban boutique could not sell it. This means the piece was really just a design failure.

Final tip?

Make sure you don’t just buy sale items all the time. Splurge on the pieces you love versus filling your closet with clothes that are just okay.

Shouldn’t dressing be more than just being conscious? Maybe even (gasp) a lot of fun?

Image: Pecico

The post How to Order Clothes Online (And Get What You Want) appeared first on EcoSalon.

Depending on which camp you belong to, vegan or eco (and they are two completely different ones), your views on wearing animals will differ greatly.

If you are vegan, they will not only differ, they will absolutely mean you never wear another piece of clothing or accessory made from an animal again. The eco establishment will argue that recycling and using sustainable materials (ones not filled with pesticides or petroleum by-products) is the better way to go. It’s a tough consumer dilemma, and one that divides, as there are strong arguments for both.

When I came across Harricana by Mariouche, I thought the recycled fur line was tastefully done and contacted the designer Mariouche Gagné for an interview.

My two questions for her rested on the claim that the company “has recycled over 50,000 coats and turned them into new branded creations, adding up to nearly 400 metric tons of refurbished fur,” an estimated half a million animals’ lives saved thanks to recycling countless vintage jackets and pelts. While I thought the idea of recycling fur into forward designs was ingenious, the devil’s advocate in me also thought if I were an animal rights activist, I’d think the mere wearing of fur just promoted it – and I’d be angry.

Second, noticing her claim that the shops featuring her work were all over the world, I wondered if the reason they aren’t sold in the U.S. is due to a different mentality about wearing fur.

Harricana by Mariouche, Winter 2010

Mariouche has her own feelings about wearing fur: “I like to think further than just that the poor animal that died for the jacket a hundred years ago, I think about the animals I save now by recycling. That makes a lot more sense,” she says from her Montreal studio which today has international sales in 18 countries including Switzerland, France, Austria, Germany, and Russia.

“I am not for making with new,” she adds. “I recycle thousands of coats, silk scarves and army jackets every year into pieces that will last for another 100 years. I don’t design just for a passing trend.”

Amongst her cold weather designing credentials – like living at the North Pole – Mariouche has spent time in Kuujjuaq in Nunavik, where local Inuit women make clothing using traditional methods and see the killing of an animal in a holistic way where every drop of the animal is utilized from their oil to their pelt. While she does not condone the killing of animals, her message is clear: “We are all these city hypocrites and we want other people we don’t see to kill our food and make our clothes and that, is not natural.”

Harricana by Mariouche, Winter 2010

Jennifer Miller, founder of Mission Savvy, an eco-boutique that pairs eco fashion with pressing issues in animal welfare has her own feelings on recycling fur: “I’m just sort of over it. That’s all.”

A longtime animal rights activist, Miller asks why we even need to be wearing fur in the first place.

“If you live in a heated house, have the privilege of being able to cook yourself a warm meal and snuggle up in a warm bed at night, there’s no real survival purpose to owning a fur coat. Communities outside of true indigenous lifestyles really have no purpose wearing fur. And therefore if you are inclined to wear it, choose your Nordic destination, endure a season of coastal fishing, sheep herding, knitting, hunting and territorial defense and really immerse yourself in the culture of having no choice but to wear fur. Otherwise please spare me the headache of preaching about how the jacket keeps you warm in the winter, all 1.5 hours of the day that you are actually outside,” says Miller.

But from an animal welfare perspective, Miller thinks if there must be a fur industry, it should most certainly revolve around recycled fur with not a single animal being skinned alive again.

“Fur can be put to better use than fashion,” she says, “There are hundreds of thousands of homeless people that would appreciate a fur coat donation. Humane Society of the United States has a great program called ‘Coats for Cubs’ where you can donate your fur coat and it’s used to comfort animals in rehab. And what about using them as a down alternative as well? Fur stuffed blankets is another great idea for families with children that can’t afford to turn on the heat in the winter.”

Mariouche, who might agree with the multitude of uses for fur, holds the position that no matter what, people are going to buy fur.

“I offer people with money a choice though to be more ethical and I think if you can offer that in the luxury sector, giving them a choice, it’s better than nothing.”

Top Image From Harricana by Mariouche

The post Recycling Fur to Save Animals appeared first on EcoSalon.

When you walk into your neighborhood boutique do you ever pay attention to the music that’s being played?

I do and I also take cues from their playlists for my own personal creations. Fashion and music pretty much go hand in hand and shopgirls? Well, they’re some of the hippest chicks going.

So get your ipods ready to be loaded. We’ll dedicate this potential playlist to all the  Shopgirls who’ve ever sold an organic cotton tunic or recycled handbag.

I asked them what they were playing and if they thought music was important to their shop’s ambiance. Here’s what a few of them had to say.

Kate Morison of Arboretum

“It is very important to us to have the proper vibe at Arboretum – one that makes people feel relaxed, happy, and willing to spend time and money in our space. We have experimented a lot and tracked people’s reactions to various bands, genres, etc. Our most successful shopping smash hits get compiled into iTunes playlists. My favorite is called “Store Sanctioned” and it’s got songs by the New Pornographers, Beruit, Andrew Bird, Electrelane, Dntel, The Knife, The Shins, The Brunettes, and more. We also rely a lot on Pandora, we created a station based on our love of Stereolab and Bacelorette which always fills the fitting rooms. Retail without music is just awkward, especially when the sound is out, the customer can sense some intangible absence. Besides, we need the music to motivate us to stay sunny and smiling at customers all day. Music is our Prozac.”

Kate McGregor of Kaight

“We play lots of different music at Kaight. Lately we’ve been playing a lot of Go Gos & George Michael, as well as Serge Gainsbourg (I’m a little obsessed). Typically, though, we keep it mellow with The XX, lots of Beatles, Superspirit, Radiohead, Lykke Li, Nouvelle Vague. Music that puts people in a calm, relaxed mood and makes them feel comfortable.”

Jennifer Miller of Mission Savvy

“I want Mission Savvy to be an experience into a world that is like no other (around these parts at least) so I pick Indie music that has a chill vibe. Like Ben Harper, Rusted Root, Discpatch, Eric Hutchinson, Barefoot Truth and a whole mix of singer songwriter girls. Very very happy stuff that makes you feel at peace. I want my customers to come back because they like being inside Mission Savvy – atmosphere and mood are keep to the end result – making sales!”

Donna Oakes of Cow Jones Industrials

“If I play CDs, it’s often Annie Lennox, Pretenders, Beatles, Sting, Herbie Hancock, David Bowie, Joni Mitchell. Mostly music that I like hearing but isn’t something that a potential customer might have a “Yuck” reaction to. I love listening to Tom Waits but get weird looks from some.”

Wendi Goad of Clary Sage

“The music we listen to at the store is an eclectic mix of classic rock, indie rock, folk, and female artists across all genres.
We love Adele, Alexi Murdoch, Beastie Boys, Citizen Cope, Estelle, The Fugees, Kings of Leon, Madonna, Lykke Li, Priscilla Ahn, The Supremes, and Wilco.”

“When we put together a playlist we are looking to create a welcoming feel for our clients. We want our music to be upbeat, but calm and collected. We also look to music to help us create energy in our store for our sales staff, and clients alike. As a yoga lifestyle brand we want to help our clients feel energized, but not overstimulated, and we rely on our music selection to help create that atmosphere.”

Image: Nati

The post Neighborhood Boutiques Set Their Stage with Song appeared first on EcoSalon.