Peplum is one of spring’s hottest trends, and it’s easier to pull off than you may think. We found five sustainable options for how to wear it.

One of the biggest trend on the runways and red carpets this spring is peplum – flirty frills around the waistlines that help create a curvy, flirtatious silhouette and is flattering for most body types. Judging by the fall runways this trend is also here to stay for a while, which would make investing in one stand-out peplum piece a good idea. It’s also a great trend to keep your eyes out for in the thrift store. There are many ways to wear it – on skirts and tops, drop-waisted or middle-cinching – and it’s easier to pull off than you may think. A good rule is to keep the rest of your outfit simple so as not to look bulky or overwhelm the peplum.

Giorgio Armani showed elegant, streamlined peplum tops paired with textured solids. Create your own take on this look by pairing this ponte peplum top, handmade by Daniela Tabois with ankle-length pants, open-toed sandals and your favorite hat.

Ponte Peplum Top, $110, Etsy/Daniela Tabois

Leave it to Marc Jacobs to perfect the casual everyday version of this trend by pairing an elaborate peplum skirt with a striped long sleeve tee and simple strappy sandals. This look is very easy to copy and make your own. Pair this Girl from Ipanema skirt by Pray for Mother Nature with your favorite striped tee and simple heels.

Pray for Mother Nature skirt, on sale for $59.95, Future:Standard

Get inspired by Rodarte’s colorful, flirty runway looks and combine the peplum trend with another of spring’s biggest trends – pattern. AFIA designer Meghan Sebold totally nailed the peplum skirt look in her new collection, which featured several great patterned peplum skirts, all sustainably sourced and sewn in Ghana.

Turquoise Floral Peplum Skirt, $100, AFIA

For a simple lady-like take on this trend, look no further than England’s newest style icon Kate Middleton, who was recently spotted wearing a peplum coat. Copy Kate’s regal look in this 100% Melton wool jacket by Canadian eco-label Elroy.

Hyssop Jacket, on sale for $101, Elroy

Peplum was all the rage on the red carpets this awards season, most memorably on a dress worn by the always stylish Michelle Williams. Somewhat unexpectedly, comedienne Tina Fey also nailed this trend, in a flattering navy number that made her look seriously curvy. Take this look to your next party by wearing Elroy’s 100% raw silk Cocos Dress, which features a sweetheart neckline and subtle peplum detail.

Cocos Dress, $99.99, Elroy

The post On Trend: Peplum appeared first on EcoSalon.

What you should look out for at the thrift shop right now.

To be a successful thrift shopper you need to be able to quickly weed through rows and rows of racks to find those special pieces that will make your friends green with envy. While thrifting requires an open mind, it helps to have a general idea of what you are looking to find. Here’s our tips on things that you should keep an eye out for at the thrift shop right now.

Color

Color is still a major trend we’ll continue to see through spring and summer. Color blocking, brights and pastels are all equally on trend and fairly easy to find in any well-stocked thrift store. The ones that sort their merchandise by color are especially good for scoring colorful finds. Look for solids like burgundy (wear it head-to-toe or match with pale pink), pastels and especially tangerine.

Anoraks & Bomber Jackets
Army/surplus jackets were seen on many runways this season, Jason Wu and Isabel Marant included, and are a great way to toughen up any ensemble. Score extra brownie points if you manage to find one with a Camo print.

Prints & Patterns
The biggest trend this season, without question, is prints. Whether you are mixing patterns to create a head-to-toe print look or using one patterned piece to add contrast to a simple monochrome look – prints will do the trick.

Lace
Valentino’s lace dress from the F/W 2012 collection really brought lace back into the realms of high fashion, and has everyone looking to recreate this hit look. There are currently six magazine covers, among them W and ELLE, featuring this dress. Look for lace tops at the thrift shop to create your own dreamy lace look, in black, white or neutral.

Peplums
When it comes to details, peplums are all the rage right now. If you find one – you’ve hit thrift paydirt! Dig thru the 80s section to find a peplum dress, skirt or jacket (just make sure you remove those inevitable shoulder pads).

Denim

Denim never goes out of style, which is why it’s such a great thing to thrift. When it comes to pants, look for a straight leg boyfriend fit. Denim jackets and vests are also great right now, and make sure you stock up on denim shorts for summer. If you can’t find shorts, just look for jeans that fit well and cut the legs off.

The post What To Thrift Right Now: Color, Anoraks, Prints, Lace, Peplums & Denim appeared first on EcoSalon.