Polka dots. You either love them or you hate them.

We happen to love them and we aren’t the only ones. 2015 has been the year of the dots–especially on the spring and summer fashion runways.

If you too love the polka dot, read on for some tips on how wear them and how to add them to your home.

Polka Dots Fashion and Home Decor Tips

Image: West Elm

1. Mix and Match

One of our favorite ways to incorporate the polka dot into you wardrobe or your home decor is to mix and match them with other patterns. Polka dots can add a bit of whimsy to stripes, gingham, plaid, damask, houndstooth, Greek Key, or really any pattern out there. The key is to match the scale or make a point to exaggerate the difference in scale between your patterns.

Image: Umberto Fratini / Indigitalimages.com

2. Go Big

For those who don’t really care for the polka dot, one solution is to choose patterns with larger dots and with more space between them. This look is more retro and less precious.

Image: Anthropologie

3. Go Small

On the other end of the size spectrum, choosing smaller dots can come off a little more polished. Small scale polka dots when seen from far away are almost invisible, it’s only when you get up close that you can see them. It works just like a small pinstripe pattern work.  Smaller dots are definitely more appropriate for more conservative settings, like the office.

Image: Pottery Barn

4. Accents

Any pattern can be just too darn much if overdone, that’s never truer than with polka dots. Instead of decking yourself, or your space, in head to toe dots, use the pattern as an accent. A scarf, a throw, gloves, or a rug would all work to give a little pop of dots!

Image: HAUSOFPROSE

5. Be Unexpected

Instead of wearing or decorating with polka dots in expected ways, like wearing a polka-dotted blouse or throwing some throw pillows on the sofa, get creative with your looks. Try polka-dotted pumps or a statement wall art piece instead, just don’t be predictable!

Image: starsandspirals

6. Own It

Do not be afraid to go all in with polka dots. If you love them, who cares if others don’t! Wear polka dots from your head to your toes and wear them proud.

Related on EcoSalon

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Fearless Home Decor: Mix and Match Patterns

Image: OhongsDesignStudio

The post 6 Ways to Rock Polka Dots for You and Your Home appeared first on EcoSalon.

How to wear polka dots without looking like a 50s pinup.

Polka dots. You’ve seen them on the runways but aren’t quite sure how to wear them without looking like a 50s pinup or your grandma’s apron. Fear not, there are plenty of ways that this classic pattern can fit into a stylish eco-fashionista’s wardrobe.

Stella Wedge by Calleen Cordero, $455, Juno & Jove // Stella Stars Necklace, $128, Hovey Lee // Lina Rennell Recycled Leather belt, $165, Beklina // Polka Dot Sweater, Approx. $550, Chinti & Parker // Stella Vino clutch by Raven Kauffman, $325, Juno & Jove // Baby Toes Cactus polish, $12.50, Priti NYC // A Line Mini Skirt, on sale for $104, Edun

Let’s start with a Polka Dot Sweater from Chinti & Parker, a basic, versatile piece perfect for a first envoy into this polka dot trend. The mixing of patterns is very hot right now. Don’t be afraid to try ones that you wouldn’t think at first glance will go together — that’s where the magic happens. Mix your polka dot pattern with more pattern, like this woven mini skirt or a bright floral pattern or – why not – a smaller polka dot print on a dark background.

Stars are all the rage right now and just happen to be a great complement to those dots. This necklace from Hovey Lee will ensure your look is more tough than sweet. Add visual interest with with a burgundy bag by Raven Kauffman and shoes by Calleen Cordero. Finish off the look by adding some bright yellow – one of the hottest colors this spring – accents like a belt and nail polish.

If you’re still not convinced that you can rock the polka dots, try a dotty manicure (here’s a tutorial on how to do it yourself).

The post How To Wear It: Polka Dots appeared first on EcoSalon.

Dots are my favorite movie candy (I know, the red ones are the only good ones) and I love the round shapes on fabric, a happy trend for spring design and a great way to perk up a tired chair or sofa or add some bounce to your bed.

Modern Fabrics has a fun grouping of spot-on eco-friendly upholstery fabric that really measures up – all from some of the best modern design houses, including Knoll and Pollock.

The merino lambswool Dot Pillow from our own Viva Terra features lovely shaded fabric rounds lining up on the face of the ultra soft brown fabric ($79 including down insert).

I love how the dots take center stage on this new embroidered green organic cotton duvet and sham collection from Pottery Barn ($39 to $179). The dots are crewel-stitched by hand giving a custom feel to this ready-made bedding, which you can have a blast mixing with florals and other bright and bold shades.

For you little one’s room, toss in a dotty elephant, soft and organic in pink or blue and yellows. It will have a long memory of being tugged on, chewed and loved, and since it’s made of good stuff, no worries. I found it at Eden Home for $14.

And of course, a little dot action for your closet. These polka dot pattern sustainable sneakers from Simple will keep help you stay well rounded for spring. Remember to tiptoe through the tulips!

Image: soapylovedeb

The post On the Dot appeared first on EcoSalon.