Everywhere I turn, it seems people are complaining about the cold weather. Ok, no more sitting beach side for a while but come on, hot chocolate, warm fires and cozy sweaters warm the soul!  There’s nothing like cozying up as the cold weather rolls in. And with so many great options for eco-friendly sweaters on the market today you can be assured you are staying toasty with quality made responsible garments. Here is a round up of our favorite eco-friendly fall sweaters.

1. Rib Pullover by Organic by John Patrick

If there is one thing John Patrick Organics has nailed it’s high quality basics. This eco-friendly sweater is made from premium fibers—90% wool and 10% cashmere. Recognized by the CFDA, Organic by John Patrick is showing the high street fashion industry basics last, and they can be organic too.

Organic by John Patrick, $340

2. Aztec Stripe Sweater by Chinti and Parker

If you are looking for a graphic, eco-friendly sweaters this fall, Chinti and Parker has you covered. Their enormous selection of sweaters “spells a new era of style and luxury, one that is built on integrity and sustainability, and one which far outlives seasonal trends.” Chinti and Parker offset all their carbon emissions making their clothing carbon neutral, and each garment comes with a tag stating its ethical credentials.

Chinti and Parker, $495

3. Alpaca Sheer Pullover by Indigenous

Indigenous creates organic and free trade certified clothing by collaborative with artisans around the world. As a Certified B Corp, Indigenous is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of industry best practices. This fair trade certified sweater is made with 100% (super soft) wool from free-ranging alpacas and is dyed using low-impact dyes.

Indigenous, $190

4. Florence Sweater by Curator

Simple and sweet, this sweater is made using 100% organic cotton. Curator is a label labor of love and all Curator clothing is designed and produced in San Francisco with minimum waste.

Curator, $84

5. Bougainvillea Sweater by The Reformation

The Reformation has created somewhat of a cult following around their brand and we love their PSA’s like this one: “Cotton is scary. Conventional cotton crops in California alone are dusted with 6.9 million pounds of chemicals yearly. We don’t use new cotton fabric in any of our clothes, so you can breathe easy.” Can you guess this sweater is made from surplus cotton blend fabric in sunny Los Angeles?

Reformation, $98

6. Tunic Diagonal by VOZ

This sweater is so cool! And the story behind it is even better. VOZ works with indigenous artisans empowering them through collaborative fashion design, and allowing them to gain access to western markets. Each hand-made garment is made of the highest quality natural and eco-friendly fibers, hand dyed and woven to preserve tradition.

VOZ, $435

7. Lola by Beaumont Organic

Perfect for cozying up with, Beaumont Organic’s 100% Alpaca loose fitting, color blocked cardigan is great to throw on around the house or wear with a button down and pencil skirt to work. And pst, it’s on sale!

Beaumont Organic, on sale for £95.00

Want More Fall Inspiration?

The Best Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe For Fall

4 Fall Centerpieces and Eco-Friendly Tablescapes

The Smell of Fall: 6 Natural Air Freshener Recipes For The Home

5 Ethical Fall Coats From Hot Designers: Cozy and Chic

The post 7 Beautiful, Comfy, and Eco-Friendly Sweaters appeared first on EcoSalon.

EcoSalon’s West Coast Fashion Editor Rowena Ritchie shows us how a few key sustainable buys dresses up her $1 thrift store find jumpsuit and takes it from loungy to art deco-inspired 70s glamour.

Ever wondered how our editors channel this season’s trends to complement the favorite pieces in their own wardrobes? Well, look no further. Rowena Ritchie is EcoSalon’s West Coast Fashion Editor and her style is best described as “The Art of the Layer.” It’s starts with sleek basics like skinny pants and fitted tees in matching shades and builds from there. It’s an easy approach that allows her to accessorize with the vintage bits and bobs she’s collected for years – plus it suits the highly changeable San Francisco weather. “When I found this black crepe de chine jumpsuit in the $1 bin at my local thrift store, I knew it was a keeper,” she says. ” I’m drawn to the color black like a vampire to blood and despite my best efforts to lighten up, I’m invariably dressed head-to-toe in it. ”

While this jumpsuit is perfect for lounging, with a few key sustainable buys it will take her from day to night all year round.

Organic by John Patrick Perforated Cardigan Sweater
“I love the perforated detail, which reminds me of snappy golf wear from the 1930s.” It’s also the perfect way to channel summer’s big sportswear trend and still keep the look distinctly feminine. “100% merino wool never lets me down. It lasts forever and never pills or pulls.” It’s made in the USA, and the lemon yellow color is a great way to break away from black.
$280, Beklina

Celeste Printed Silk Peplum Bustier by CrOP by David Peck
“This top is a total splurge, but how cool would this be layered over my jumpsuit?” The peplum is also one of summer’s hottest silhouettes. Throw on some strappy heels and red lipstick and you’ve got a screen siren look with a modern edge.
$385, CrOp by David Peck 

Rachel Comey Macrame Belt
“This belt by Rachel Comey adds flattering definition to the waist and a relaxed 70s feel.” Hand knotted natural cotton macrame with leather worked ends. Belted around around the cardigan, it creates a look that’s smart and comfy at the same time. This is a good piece to keep an eye out for at thrift shops or, if you are the crafty sort, make yourself.
$240, Beklina

Alkemie Phoenix Fan Necklace 
“This Egyptian style Phoenix fan necklace is killer. I’m a big fan of the style of the 30s and 70s and all roads seem to return back to the decorative motifs of those times.” Classically inspired jewelry is definitely making a big comeback, and that one statement piece can really take an outfit to the next level. “The Phoenix is also a symbol of rebirth and the perseverance to rise out of challenging situations, I like that idea.” Handmade in Los Angeles, CA, from 100% reclaimed metal.
$209, Alkemie

Alexandre Herchcovitch X Melissa Patent Troupe Wedge Brogue
“Ever since my trip to Sao Paulo last year, I’ve started a bit of a collection of Melissa‘s rubber shoes. The Brazilian brand’s designer collaborations, like this one with Alexandre Herchcovitch are truly inspired. “They’re great for incorporating a silly pop edge to an otherwise moody look – they’re so wrong that they’re right, If you know what I mean.” We do.
$96.11, Asos 

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Classic and timeless, nautical stripes signal the arrival of warm summer days.

It seems like every year, when summer rolls around, stripes in all shapes and forms reappear. Maybe this is because of the summery nautical vibe they inspire or simply because they are timeless and never go out of style (just ask Jean Paul Gaultier). Nautical stripes also made their way back onto the runway for spring and summer, especially in classic red, white, blue and gray. Avoid the “ship ahoy” look by pairing your stripes with tougher garments like a biker jacket or be unexpected and dress them up with bright colors, floral patterns or animal prints.

TOMS Navy Stripe Nautical Women’s Biminis
These Nautical Biminis are designed for serious maritime adventures, at sea or perhaps your favorite nautically-inspired pool bar in the city. For every pair you buy, TOMS donates a pair of shoes to a child in need.
$69, TOMS

Lemlem Gama Woven Tee
Supermodel and former WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Liya Kebede started Lemlem as a way to preserve the ancient craft of traditional weavers in her native Ethiopia and provide jobs that could inspire economic independence. This handwoven top features bold sailor stripes, available in four different colorways. It looks great with white jeans, even if you’re not a supermodel.
$200, Lemlem

Black Stripe Henley Tank by Edith A. Miller
This simple striped tank by Edith A. Miller features button detailing in the front that makes it a highly versatile piece. Button it up and pair with a skirt for a sweet retro look or unbutton it all the way, pile on some necklaces and a leather jacket for a tougher vibe. Edith A. Miller works toward preserving the American knitwear industry by manufacturing in a sixth-generation knit factory in Pennsylvania.
$68, Juno & Jove

United By Blue Braided Sailing Bracelet
This black and white knotted bracelet sports some great sailing hardware and is an easy way to add a bit of nautical vibe to an outfit without being over the top. Designer Jill Kauffman is a medical student by day and draws inspiration from her favorite leisure activities: sailing, skiing, and kayaking. Many are even handcrafted onboard her 1967 Albacore. For every product sold, United By Blue removes one pound of trash from our worlds oceans and waterways.
$35, United By Blue

Organic by John Patrick Mini Dress
Practical, comfortable and highly wearable, this striped navy and white mini dress by Organic by John Patrick has all the ingredients for becoming a go-to summer wardrobe staple. The cotton sweater knit fabric makes it feel like you’re wearing your favorite sweater, and the vegetable tanned leather elbow patches add some unexpected attitude. It’s also made in the USA.
$345, Beklina

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EcoSalon’s fashion columnist and recent West Coast transplant Johanna Björk shows us how she plans to accessorize her favorite washed-out gray denim and white tank this summer.

Ever wondered how our editors channel this season’s trends to complement the favorite pieces in their own wardrobes? Well, look no further. Today the time has come for me to show you how I plan to style two of my go-two basics for the summer. My style is all over the place, but when I don’t know what to wear I always come back to those great basics with a proven track-record. That perfect shade of washed-out gray denim is hard to come by, these have been perfected by decades of wear and what I really love about them is that they are ankle-length – totally right for summer. I’ve always preferred tanks over tees, and that’s something I am sticking to this summer, with a perfect white tank from PACT.

All I need is some great accessories, comfy flats and a classic striped sweater to keep me warm through those sometimes chilly California nights.

Organic by John Patrick Perforated Stripe Pullover
A classic striped sweater is something every girl should have in her wardrobe. This one has perforation details that give it a great sporty vibe that’s totally on trend for summer. Made from 100% Superfine merino wool it will keep me warm once the sun sets too.
$255, Organic by John Patrick

Greenpacha Panama Color Rose Hat
I love a good hat and am not afraid to wear it. This one by Greenpacha Hats for a Better World has a great blush pink color that will go well with all those summer lights and neutrals I intend to wear instead of my usual black and gray uniform. Made by artisans in Ecuador from sustainably harvested Toquilla palm straw. Greenpacha also donates 2% of sales back to the weaving communities
$87.50, Fashioning Change

Bricks and Silver Necklace by Natalie Frigo
When wearing an otherwise simple outfit, I like to dress it up with a statement necklace, like this one. Made by hand in designer Natalie Frigo’s NYC studio from ethically sourced black tourmaline beads with silver on an adjustable ultra-suede strap.
$180, Natalie Frigo

Rikar Flat Sandal by Coclico
When it comes to shoes, I tend to gravitate toward those sky-high showpieces that one ends up wearing just a few times. What can I say? I just love a good high heel. This summer, however, I have promised my feet to invest in a really great pair of flat sandals. These nude-colored leather ones from Coclico are great contenders.
$325, Juno & Jove

Marilu Belt by Brave Leather
All I really want for summer is a wide Celine-style belt that sits low on the hip. It will instantly propel even the most boring outfit into fashionville and is super-easy to wear. I love the minimalistic elegance of this one, by Brave Leather – hand crafted in Canada by skilled craftspeople, in a safe, ethical factory.
$125, Brave Leather

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Show off your best color and shine like the sun in bright yellow hues this summer.

Fashion has been all about bright color for a while now, and that’s not going to change this summer. As nature blooms and shows off her best colors, so should you. Yellow is one of those hues that makes you instantly happy – it’s like wearing sunshine on your sleeve. Dare to be bright and don’t be scared of mixing different hues of yellow either. This summer, it’s time to shine like the sun.

H Fredriksson Fold Neon Dress
This simple, yet bright and fun, neon washed silk dress is just the perfect frock for summer. It’s elegant yet effortless, much thanks to designer Helena Fredriksson’s masterful draping. Made locally in NYC from natural fabrics.
On sale for $215, H Fredriksson

Yellow Translucent Spikey Necklace by Thea Grant
If you don’t want to go all in with yellow, try adding a statement-making accent piece, like this dramatic spikey necklace with bronze beaded balls and chain fringe by Thea Grant, a Brooklyn-based designer who decorates her pieces with vintage and antique objects, fobs, curios and charms found throughout New York and beyond.
$265, Juno & Jove

Organic by John Patrick Shirttail
A bright yellow tee will make for a great closet staple this summer. Wear it with everything from patterned skirts to denim cutoffs. This fitted short sleeve by Organic by John Patrick is a great choice. Made from 100% organic cotton.
$74, Conifer

Baggu Leather Tote
A simple tote bag is the only thing you need to carry your essentials around this summer. Choosing one in bright yellow ensures that no matter what you wear with it, you’ll look very on trend. Made in NYC from soft natural milled leather.
$160, Baggu

Sleeveless Belted Dress by Carrie Parry
This classic buttercup yellow sleeveless shirt dress by Carrie Parry has a feminine Peter Pan collar – button it all the way up or leave a few open – and flattering belt detail. Made in New York City from 100% Bemberg Cupro. 20% of the sale of this dress goes toward supporting the non-profit Trees for the Future
$285, Carrie Parry

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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

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Are Anthropologie and sister company Urban Outfitters supporting independent designers or ripping them off?

Earlier this month, indie fashion lovers went wild when Anthropologie debuted Made In Kind, its new “project in collaborative design.” With an initial offering of 11 exclusive, limited-edition capsule collections, Made In Kind shines a spotlight on independent designers and small brands, including sustainable favorites like Samantha Pleet and Organic by John Patrick.

But as excited as we want to get about Made In Kind, we can’t ignore accusations that both Anthropologie and its sister store, Urban Outfitters, have previously ripped off independent designers. In the world of independent fashion, there can often be a fine line between finding inspiration in another product and downright copying it. In this week’s Behind the Label, we explore the difference.

Anthropologie’s first store was opened by current president Richard Hayne in Glendale, Pennsylvania, in 1992. Under Urban Outfitters Inc., which also owns Urban Outfitters, Free People, Terrain, and BHLDN, the chain has since expanded to more than 135 retail locations that offer, according to its website, “a one-of-a-kind and compelling shopping experience that makes women feel beautiful, hopeful and connected.”

It’s this kind of aspirational marketing that has created thousands of loyal customers and dozens of fan blogs with titles like You, Me & Anthropologie and Breakfast at Anthropologie, dedicated to proclaiming the gospel of the clothing chain (for a good laugh, also check out the satirical blog Anthroparodie).

Anthropologie’s “secret sauce” is in careful curation and inspired retailing. “Part of our business is this idea of the found one-of-a-kind object, antique or craft,” said Aaron Hoey, Anthropologie’s general merchandising manager, in an interview with The Toronto Star published in February. “It has to be this authentic for it to feel authentic in the store. Otherwise it would just be the same thing as everywhere else.”

The Good

Anthropologie has a history of seeking out unique items from independent designers around the world. In fact, an entire Sundance Channel reality television show, Man Shops Globe, was dedicated to buyer-at-large Keith Johnson‘s round-the-world hunt for global treasures. In a separate article in the Toronto Standard, also published in February, merchandising manager Hoey said that the chain is particularly fond of supporting local designers in their various markets.

We love to localize. So if you have a great ceramicist in Toronto and he or she can only make a couple hundred units – because a lot of people aren’t set up to manufacture – well, that’s great, because we’ll send them to five stores. We’ll see them in Toronto, of course, and we’ll also shoot some to California, where this artisan wouldn’t have naturally been exposed.

Anthropologie also has a great record of working with not-for-profit and fair trade organizations in the developing world. Recent examples include the Thousand Hills Cowl, made in Rwanda with women’s co-ops through Indego Africa, and the Perfect Skippers Necklace, handcrafted by artisans in the mountains of Ecuador through The Andean Collection.

As for the Made In Kind project, a big plus is that it gives small designers great exposure to Anthropologie’s large and loyal online community. Each brand is highlighted with a special landing page, and many of the designers are written up in the online Anthropologie magazine. Plus, with a new crop of designers launching each month, Anthropologie is able to satisfy online shopper cravings for new, fresh merchandise.

The Bad

While Anthropologie’s indie aesthetic is a big reason for the store’s popularity, sometimes it hits a bit too close to home for people in the fashion and handmade communities. Though no major scandals have arose (yet) Anthropologie is consistently scrutinized for releasing items that look remarkably similar to items found on Etsy – so much so that an online game called “Etsy or Anthropologie?” has developed on the Regretsy blog, asking readers to guess which item comes from which source.

More evident are the accusations levied against Anthropologie’s sister store Urban Outfitters, which has come under fire for everything from anti-Semitic t-shirts to politically incorrect Navajo-inspired undies. One of the biggest controversies came last spring, when Etsy seller Stephanie Koerner claimed that Urban Outfitters had stolen the designs for its line of I Heart Destination necklaces from her United States of Love collection.

Her story swept through the social media world, forcing Urban Outfitters to issue a formal response denying the claims:

In her recent blog post and on Twitter Koerner claims that Urban Outfitters stole her designs or was inspired in some way by the items in her Etsy shop for our I Heart Destination necklaces. In fact, a quick search on Etsy for ‘state necklace’ reveals several other sellers with similar products (as seen here on Regretsy) who offered their wares as much as a year earlier than Ms. Koerner. We are not implying that Koerner stole her necklace idea from one of these other designers, we are simply stating the obvious—that the idea is not unique to Koerner and she can in no way claim to be its originator.

The Questionable

Urban Outfitters’ response raises an important point: in the world of independent fashion, which is inspired and informed by many different sources, how is it possible to claim a design as original? While Koerner’s accusations against Urban Outfitters were great at galvanizing attention, the validity of her claims was later questioned by Regretsy and larger blogs like Fashionista, which pointed out that the idea of stamping a heart on a metal outline of a state had been done long before Koerner’s Etsy line.

Still, it’s undeniable that both the design of Urban Outfitters’ destination jewelry line and its marketing bore a striking resemblance to Koerner’s. And hers isn’t the only accusation against the chain; similar claims were levied by jewelry designers at the Brooklyn Flea in 2010 and by t-shirt designers in 2006 and 2007.

One thing is for sure: if Urban Outfitters Inc. wants to continue highlighting its collaborations with independent designers, it needs to be extra careful about any claims – against any of its brands – that the company is knocking off the very designers it purports to celebrate. Where Anthropologie is concerned, Hoey has denied association with Urban Outfitters:

We operate like a mom-and-pop at Anthropologie. We actually know nothing about Urban Outfitters. I don’t know a single person that works there. While it is a sister company because it’s owned by the same parent company, we don’t know what goes on there. I would encourage them, if they’ve done any of these things, to clean up their act. I don’t want our reputation damaged by anything that’s happened in the past at Urban; it’s not what the CEO wants, either. For me, it’s a lesson: I’ll never let that happen at Anthropologie.

But as much as Anthropologie wants to distance itself from Urban Outfitter’s alleged sins, it’s difficult to ignore the fact that both stores are owned by the same parent company. To ease these kinds of consumer conflicts, Urban Outfitters Inc. needs to do a better job at enacting policies across all of its brands to prevent knock-offs and preserve its support of independent designers.

SEE ALSO:

Behind the Label: H&M’s Conscious Collection

Behind the Label: Levi Strauss’ E-Valuate Program

Behind the Label: TOMS’ One for One Campaign

Behind the Label: Puma’s Vision and Clever Little Bag

Read more Behind the Label here.

Image: pjinomaha, Regretsy [2]

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Trench coats never go out of style. We’ve picked out five to wear this spring.

The trench coat is one of those classics that never really goes out of style. This spring, however, it’s a very on trend garment that you can wear with anything from cropped jeans to a cute dress. A good trench is an investment that will last for a very long time. You could always go for a classic beige one, but consider choosing from other fun variations of the trench offered right now – with colors and unexpected details giving new life to this beloved wardrobe staple. We’ve picked out five eco-trench coats that we think would make excellent additions to your spring wardrobe.

Grommet Detailed Trench Coat by Edun
This cool yet classic trench coat from Edun is made from a blend of organic cotton, polyester and hemp. The grommet details add some interest to this otherwise simple piece, making it edgier. Avoid the head-to-toe black look by pairing it with white denim, a bright-colored top and heels.
$598, Edun

Linda Loudermilk Siren Coat
This 100% organic cotton lace coat by eco-designer Linda Loudermilk is gorgeous, timeless and graceful. It’s also made in the U.S. With this trench coat you’ll hit two of spring’s biggest trends – white and lace – in one shot. Wear it with a white or pastel-colored dress or toughen it up with distressed denim.
$575, Juno & Jove

Organic by John Patrick Double Breasted Trench
This classic, double-breasted trench coat by Organic by John Patrick features a slightly relaxed silhouette with tie belt at waist. It’s made from 100% recycled cotton and fully lined in Cupro. The utility-green color is a good complement to many of springs other trends, like color blocking, patterns and pastels.
$550, La Garçonne

Mini Soft Trench by Prairie Underground
Part of Prairie Underground’s Spring 2012 collection, this oyster white trench has a simple cut which makes it a timeless addition to your spring wardrobe. If you want to add a bit more visual interest, swap out the belt for a wide, patterned or colored one.
$248, Show Pony Seattle

Vintage Belted Wrap Coat
This vintage belted wrap coat is part of Kaight’s Vintage Shop in a Shop, where the NYC-based eco-boutique is now featuring some of our favorite pieces from the shop online. Made from 100% wool, this mint green coat has pockets and is the perfect length to wear as a dress jacket.
$150, Kaight

The post On Trend: Five Trench Coats for Spring appeared first on EcoSalon.

Tips for pulling off the monochrome trend. Inspired by Organic by John Patrick.

Dressing in one color from top to toe is one of the surest ways to look taller, leaner and right on trend. What is not to like about that? Here are a few simple tips to help you master the monochrome look.

Vary the Hue. The monochrome look is all about dressing in all one color, the trick is to mix it up and create some contrast by varying the hue. In his Fall/Winter 12 collection, John Patrick showed us exactly how to do this by mixing darker burgundys with brighter reds. Keeping the colors in the same family creates unity while the different hues create variety – a perfect balance. Buy the whole look by Organic by John Patrick straight off the runway or try a pair of bright red sustainable denim pants from The IOU Project, an organic cotton V-neck by Indigenous Designs, a handmade cowl knit scarf from De Nada, and burgundy heels from Coclico.

Denim pants, approx. $91, IOU / Organic cotton Deep V, $69, Jute & Jackfruit / Cowl Knit Scarf, $55, De Nada / Heels, on sale for $199, Coclico 

Keep it simple. Take a cue from Hussein Chalayan and keep things on the minimal side of things. Keep it simple with a few key pieces in a deep-yellow hue and you’ll be sure to shine. Try mixing a yellow Organic Pima Cotton dress by Stewart+Brown with footless mustard yellow rib tights by Tightology and yellow vegan pumps by Hearts of Darkness.

Organic cotton dress, $68, Jute & Jackfruit / Yellow Rib Tights, $39.95, Tightology / Yellow Pumps, $36, Hearts of Darkness

Introduce patterns. If pure color is just not your thing, try introducing patterns in the same hue to mix things up a bit. Cacharel did this beautifully in their F/W 2012 collection, by mixing knit sweaters with flowing skirts in the same hue. Start with a floor-length navy dress in bamboo and organic cotton by Perfectly Imperfect, add a drawstring apron skirt by Suno on top to create texture and visual interest. Top it all off with a navy cardigan by H. Fredriksson.

Floor-length navy dress, $154, Embodies / drawstring apron skirt, on sale for $118.80, Suno / Cardigan, $396 , H. Fredriksson

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ORGANIC by John Patrick gives us his “beautiful vision” of sustainable fashion.

To the toe-tapping tunes of The Beatles, designer John Patrick debuted his Fall 2012 ORGANIC collection at a boutique event space in the Garment District for New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Under the heading “A Beautiful Vision,” the show featured a romantic collection inspired by a Julia Margaret Cameron photograph called A Beautiful Vision, Julia Duckworth, taken of Cameron’s niece (and future mother of painter Vanessa Bell and writer Virginia Woolf) in 1872.

Using the photograph as a starting point, collaborator and illustrator Mike Ellis interpreted his own “beautiful vision” in graphics for the invitation and show set. “When the illustration came I was stunned at how magically he captured what I was thinking and feeling,” Patrick said in a press release.

The fall line itself was heavy on textures and textiles, with a dizzying array of eco materials parading down the runway, including handmade metallic lace, sustainable recycled wool, biodegradable cotton cupro, vegetable-tanned leather, hand-loomed Angora, and a kaleidoscope of digitally printed silk from London. Patrick also worked with North Carolina-based Raleigh Denim on a handful of jeans in the collection.

The event marked the first New York Fashion Week runway show for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist – he had previously hosted presentations – and featured environmentally conscious model/actress (and long-time John Patrick fan) Shalom Harlow in the front row.

Here, some of our favorite looks and snapshots from after the show.

Images: Jessica Marati, Hans P. Kraus Jr. Fine Photographs

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