This week it’s all about the unexpected. Plaid is a staple, sure, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the unexpected details these feature.

Plaid is a quintessential fall pattern, but this time around, the looks are sophisticated, urban, feminine, and really quite different than those of the past. In other words, the usual plaid flannel has been turned on its head and transformed into new looks that will appeal to pretty much everyone.

1. Prim and Proper Dress

Who says plaid can’t be posh? This modern black and white look is perfect for work or play, and is especially great for the office. Straight from Los Angeles, this crinkle dress with handkerchief-style skirt features a figure flattering built-in belt and a hidden back zip. For work, pair this dress with a black blazer, black tights, and pumps or ankle booties. For the weekend, try knee-high boots, a chunky cardigan, and your favorite wide-brim hat. Priced at $188.

2. Plaid Patchwork Top

Deconstructed clothes are in. Patchwork and reworked looks that mix prints, patterns, and textures are the art pieces, albeit avant garde at times, of the fashion world. Whether you choose the popular deconstructed crisp button down, or opt for something more laid-back, like this oversized plaid shirt with contrasting hoodie, you really can’t lose. With this particular top, you’ll be able to wear it with all your favorite jeans, leggings, and boots for fall. It’s definitely a comfort first kinda top, but one you won’t regret buying. Priced at $198.

3. Subtle Plaid Blazer

Blazers are great wardrobe staple pieces for a variety of occasions. They’re perfect for the office, but also work really well for nights out, and even casual weekend jaunts. This particular jacket has a plaid pattern pattern, but thanks to its subtlety, it will still work well with a variety of pieces you already own. Great for pattern mixing, wear this jacket with other prints, like floral, stripes, and even polka dots. And, to sweeten the deal, this jacket was made from deadstock remnant fabric and handcrafted right here in the United States. Priced at $69.

4. Bell Sleeve Blouse

A plaid top is a must-have for fall. But if you’d prefer to skip the grunge look this season, then we recommend trying this blouse instead of the typical oversized flannel. So pretty and unique, the bell sleeves on this top add a feminine touch to an otherwise masculine print. That detail, coupled with the lightweight fabric and fitted design, make for a great fall-ready blouse. Pair this with jeans, leggings, or trousers and your favorite boots. Dress it up or down with your accessories, and prepare to get tons of compliments wherever you go. Priced at $29.99.

5. Flowy Maxi Skirt

By far one of the coolest plaid garments we’ve seen, this deconstructed flannel maxi skirt is a definite statement piece. With a relaxed, boho vibe, this skirt will have you fall ready in a snap. Pair it with basic or printed tees, long sleeve tops, and your favorite sweaters. This looks awesome styled with booties, but would also work well with knee-high or over-the-knee boots. And in the meantime, southern state dwellers can pair this skirt with sandals and a knotted or cropped tee similar to the model’s. Priced at $114.

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

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The post 5 Perfect Plaid Looks to Jumpstart Your Weekend: Friday Finds appeared first on EcoSalon.

Get all tartaned up with the plaid pattern for your home.

Whether in fashion or home decor, plaid patterns never really goes out of style–whether your style is more British punk, Town and Country, or retro 1970s, plaid is perfectly on point.

What exactly do we mean by “plaid pattern” though? Plaid is the general nomenclature for a fabric woven from crossed horizontal and vertical threads in two or more colors. There are subcategories of the plaid pattern like tartan, which is woven wool in specific colors and patterns; houndstooth, usually a black and white type of toothed check; gingham, which is a check pattern (and what Dorothy’s dress was made from in the “Wizard of Oz”); and so many more. There are very few rules when it comes to using the plaid pattern in your home–basically use what plaid patterns you like most.

Tips on Decorating with Plaid Patterns

• Menswear style plaid patterns, like Glen Plaid or Tattersall, work really well in home decorating.
• Mix plaid patterns with other patterns, like stripes, for more visual interest.
• Mix and match plaid patterns with different colorways and sizes of the pattern. For example, gingham and a tartan plaid.
• Use plaid in unexpected ways. A plaid throw rug, or plaid wall hanging are both not your typical plaid home decor finds.

We’ve put together this roundup of unexpected plaid home decor finds to get you inspired by plaid.

7 Perfectly Plaid Pattern Finds for Your Home

1. Mid-century Plaid Curtains

Image: West Elm

Bring mid-century style to your windows with these preppy sheer linen plaid curtains.

2/ Plaid Leather Rug

Image: Zara Home

Add some completely unique plaid style to your home with this plaid pattern rug.

3. Upholstered Repurposed Plaid Chair

Image: FortreeHillFurniture

Add plaid by reupholstering a chair in repurposed plaid like this wingback chair from FortreeHillFurniture.

4. Blue Plaid Mandala Wall Art

Image: FeatherAndIndigo

Combine styles with this white and navy geometric Mandala. A very unique way to add plaid to your space.

5. Plaid Sofa

Image: puremodern

Whether your decorating style is more urban, industrial, modern or rustic, this grey plaid sofa will work.

6, Golden Check Pillow

Image: Anthropologie

Be subtle with your plaid and add some sparkle with a couple of metallic checked plaid throw pillows.

7. Brushed Plaid Throw

Image: Urban Outfitters

Get soft and cozy with this understated plaid throw.

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Image: West Elm

The post 7 Perfectly Unexpected Plaid Patterns for Around the Home appeared first on EcoSalon.

Embrace the tartan plaid trend for 2015.

Plaid is back in. But did it ever really go out of style? Growing up, I associated plaid and tartan plaid as outdated, homely, and the purview of farmers, grandparents, and what I considered to be unfashionable people. As I got older, I came to understand that plaid is not an outdated, but instead is considered to be quite a classic pattern in fashion and decor. Breaking it down, plaid simply never goes out of style. It’s pretty much the “little black dress” of the fabric pattern world.

That said, plaid is hot once again this fall. It made a big splash on the Autumn 2015 fashion runways and it’s popping up in a lot of home decor showrooms.

Mini Lesson About Plaid and Tartan Plaid

Plaid and tartan plaid–they are not the same thing. Simply put, all tartans are plaids, but not all plaids are tartans. Plaid is a more general category of fabric woven from crossed horizontal and vertical threads in two or more colors. Tartan plaids consist of plaid patterns of a specific type. Here in the U.S., many use the terms interchangeably, but in the U.K., tartan plaid refers to a specific type of plaid.

Now onto brass tacks; how to wear plaid and use it in your home. Here are some of our favorite plaid finds for you and your home for this season.

Plaid and Tartan Plaid Fall Finds for You and Your Space

Black and White Plaid Wallpaper

While this fashion-led tartan plaid style wallpaper in soft charcoal and white is tres chic, it may be too much for many rooms. It work better for an accent wall.

Long Plaid Coat

We love a long wool coat in the autumn and this vintage-inspired coat with oversize lapels and large pockets is pretty much on trend for style and warmth!

Mod Plaid Suitor Chair

Not sure how you feel about it, but we think this classic wingback chair in a mod plaid in black and white works so well with that plaid wallpaper! It’s designed by the Brooklyn-based designer, Aelfie Oudghiri, who was inspired by New York’s city streets.

Too Much Fun Dress in Tartan Plaid Dress

If you want to rock the plaid look, try this retro-inspired fit & flare dress. Pair it with flats and a cute sweater for a sweet vintage-inspired look this fall.

Plaid Glassware

Go plaid, without quite literally going plaid with this retro-esque drinkware set just perfect for your bar.

Blurred Plaid Scarf

Add some color and pattern with this colorful plaid scarf. Choose between two different colorways to coordinate with your fall jacket.

Tartan Plaid Deer Wall Art

Give a nod to taxidermy mounts, but in a way more tasteful and humane way with this wall art by David Bromstad. No animals were harmed in the making!

Plaid Shirt

Finally, don’t forget the must have plaid shirt! Pair with jeans and boots for the easiest on trend fall look ever.

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Plaid Shirts image from Shutterstock

The post The 2015 Tartan Plaid Trend for You and Your Space appeared first on EcoSalon.

Get mad for plaid and tartan this fall with our favorite eco chic, cool weather pieces!

Fade into Plaid Suede Jacket

Sexy yet chic, this suede Free People jacket with plaid detailing is the perfect coat for your fall wardrobe. Handcrafted from high quality materials like cashmere, sustainably processed suede and modal, this one of a kind cover up is ideal over jeans, slacks or a cute black mini skirt or dress. It’s made in Italy too, so make sure to wear it with a certain amount of snazzy attitude. $1,350

Textured Black & White Plaid Dress This quirky yet simple number from Anthropologie is great for that summer to fall transition, as it works on its own or with a pair of tights and a cozy cover-up shawl or cardigan. Made in the USA from a blend of cotton, rayon, polyester and spandex, this  dress hugs you in just the right places, and flares out in the most flattering ones. We love the lace-up back detailing! $90

Plaid Felted Wool Knit Jacket

This super chic and classy wool jacket from Eileen Fisher is the ultimate addition to your fall wardrobe, and one that can be worn in so many ways! Dress it down with a pair of boy friend jeans or leggings and leather boots, go more elegant with a matching skirt or LBD, or get into the sex siren mode with a pair of leather slacks or a daring mini-skirt. This jacket is made from 100 percent merino wool, so is sure to keep you warm, cozy and stylish! $358

Plaid Felted Wool Skirt

This plaid skirt is the perfect match for the jacket above if you’re looking for an office appropriate ensemble. Otherwise, rock it with your favorite silky top or lightweight knit sweater, and strap on some sexy heels for a touch of attitude. Also made from 100 percent merino wool, this skirt is definitely a hip hugger that will show off your feminine curves. $198

Darien Tartan Cap This super cool unisex cap is the most stylish way to cap off your casual look this fall. Wear it with your favorite jeans and tee combo, or don it with a simple minidress, denim vest and leather ankle boots. Made in the USA from wool and a leather bill, this high quality cap is sure to take you from one season to the next.  $218

 Check out and shop all of the plaid picks here: 

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The post Fall Trending: Mad for Plaid and Tartan appeared first on EcoSalon.

Embrace life as an uncomplicated tomboy in classic oxfords and feminine button downs.

As the leaves and temperatures start falling across the country, it’s time for us to get comfy and cozy. Good news for us ladies is that flat shoes, especially oxfords and brogues, are all the rage right now. Worn with thick socks, they’ll be good through the winter, and your feet will thank you for giving them a break from heels. Plaids have been around for a while now, but are still going strong in the trend-department. Instead of just a plain plaid shirt, try a figure-hugging skirt, á la Mad Men-era secretary, a below-the knee shirt dress, or steal a shirt from your boyfriend, belt it, and make it a dress (or just wear it to snuggle up in the sofa, under a cozy eco-wool blanket).

Herbert Organic Light Twill Shirt by Nudie Jeans
This shirt was made for boys, but looks equally good (or better) on their girlfriends. Just add a belt, and wear it with a short skirt or shorts.
$199, shop.nudiejeans.com

Black & White Spectator Lace-Up Oxfords
These classic two-tone oxford brogues are made in contrasting black and white man-made leather, for all you stylish vegans out there.
$28, lulus.com

Pendleton Eco-wise Plaid Easy-care Blanket
From the sheep to the shelf, Pendleton Eco-Wise Wool® passes strict standards of sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship. It’s made in the U.S., machine-washable and sure to only grow softer and more beautiful with age.
$108-198, pendleton.com

Maggie Shirt Dress from People Tree
This casual below-the-knee dress is hand woven in Bangladesh. Match with a weathered belt and vintage boots.
approx. $118, peopletree.com

Vintage 50s Skirt
Plaid skirts from the 1950s are usually pretty easy to find in well-stocked second-hand stores. Up the trend-factor by making it a pleated one. This one, from Etsy seller Small Earth Vintage, has a classic plaid pattern in red, Kelly Green, white, indigo and yellow and is made from durable linen.
$26, etsy.com/shop/SmallEarthVintage

Vegan Brogues
These classic vegan brogues are made from breathable Vegetan Bucky material, which is a breathable microfiber that looks, feels and creases like supple leather and only gets better with age.
approx. $110, vegetarianshoes.co.uk

Organic Plaid Scarf by Sundance
This mellow-hued plaid scarf is made from soft organic cotton. The diamond shape makes it highly versatile and the raw, unfinished edges add a touch of casual cool.
$38, sundancecatalog.com

TOMS Black Suede Women’s Desert Botas
For a more casual alternative to oxfords, try this adaption of a desert boot from TOMS. For every pair you buy, TOMS will donate one pair of shoes to a child in need.
$68, toms.com

The post On Trend: Oxfords & Plaid appeared first on EcoSalon.

Fall’s top fashion trends are running us ragged trying to keep up. Are we going demure and aviator-ready or punking out with neons and crazy bare midriffs?

One thing is for sure, we’ve got a lot to choose from, which is good if your life is multi-faceted or you’re one of those women who entertains her every fashion whim.

One thing I won’t be surprising you with is that scarves are still really in and so is what color? You guessed it, purple.

If you trust me, I’m going to ask you to settle in. Where we’re going, most women have never gone, for this fall fashion foray is going to be made sane through sustainability. Some might say that’s a paradox, but sister, the times are a-changin’.

1. The Caped Crusader

Let’s just get this elephant addressed. If you wear it right, you can escape the label of Red Cross nurse or Little Red Riding Hood. If you’re wearing this trend, you are very fashion forward, a risk-taker and a woman willing to laugh adversity in the face.

I love Ryann

2. Neon

Tough to tell what we should do with this one, after all, it’s hard to get it to look authentic when it’s really been done. but I like Feral Childe’s spin on things. A word of wisdom: jelly bracelets, jelly shoes or neon wayfarers in addition to a larger piece of neon (like the shirt below) takes one from trend into (gulp) teenager.

Feral Childe’s Pleated Tunic

3. Pretty In Plaid

Working men wear it, lumberjacks wear it, why aren’t you wearing it? It’s true, plaid is permeating the fashion pathways, no going around it. I actually think this is a fun trend if tailored or worn with a slim bottom. Plaid has a lot going on so think sparingly about what you pair it with. Or, play it safe and just buy a scarf or something from the thrift shop.

Vicarious by Nature

4. Alpha Female

Are you a biker babe or Amelia Earhart wanna-be? You’ll have to ask yourself this in earnest because the alpha female is in and tough. The twist?
She’s also sophisticated. Flat front trousers, polished biker and tuxedo jackets, crisp white shirts and cocktail rings with attitude. Take that.

Cropped Leather jacket from Allison Parris

5. One Sleeve

Is it on or off? This garment will keep them guessing but it’s fun and you’ll see it in t-shirt form as much as in nighttime’s hottest cocktail duds.
Wear it alone or with a long-sleeved t-shirt underneath to create a color block and get more wear. Like most of fall’s seemingly extreme trends, all you need is one strong piece, so be careful about going overboard.

Prairie Underground’s Olympia Dress

6. Statement Accessories

When all else fails, head to your  favorite eco or online boutique and invest in a few fall pieces like a great ring, statement necklace or clutch purse. Everything this fall seems to be about statements but not everyone is ready to partake. Accessories are our doorway to getting comfortable with stepping out of the box. Here are some of my more recent fall favorites.

Muichic, Jacquie Aiche, Alex and Ani, Ashley Watson

7. Shirred Shapely

Shirring (I’ve mentioned this before on EcoSalon) is actually a woman’s best friend. Hiding and disguising potential flaws in undergarments or bodily changes (we hope are temporary), the fabric can be moved around to do what you want. How’s that for a friendly trend?

8. Cagney, Lacey and the Gilded Age

If I wrote sitcoms this title would be the next big hit, I know it. Imagine it: Sharon Gless and Tyne Daly wrestling with yards of Victorian lace in a warehouse fabric cover up”¦maybe you’re not ready for this.

Okay, looking lady-like and affluent in Hermes scarves is one way of achieving this look but you can also dive a little deeper into the eco-pool and surface in rich silks and brocades, ruffles and high necks. You can also just buy something versatile and pretty in lace like this top.
You are Victorian, hear yourself roar.

John Patrick Organic Pullover Blouse

9. Ankle Boots, buckle boots, over the knee oh my!

Oh, in a perfect world we’d just live in boots. I love when the cooler months come and I can slip my favorite Frye Engineer boots on. Not eco, but I bought them 6 years ago and wear them like they’re never going out of style. There’s something to be said for the longevity of a piece being green to some degree.

These two new pairs of boots have wooed me, though, and I will battle my boot demons to keep myself in check this season.

10. Slouchy Sweaters

What would fall be without a go-to sweater? This fall, silhouettes are voluminous and cozy, almost coat-like. Actually, they’re too big to fit a coat over,  so best to layer under.

Pair it with a pair of skinny jeans and ankle boots for city and country street cred.

Park Vogel Batwing Sweater

The post Fall’s Top 10 (Sustainable) Fashion Trends appeared first on EcoSalon.