Shabd is having a summer sale.

Brooklyn designer Shabd Simon-Alexander creates and hand dyes limited edition collections based on simple shapes with attention to fabric combinations and compositions. She says on her site that her approach to working with fabrics “draws from minimalist art, quiltmaking, and the folk costume tradition of beginning one dress with the remnants from the last.”

This silk dress with individually hand dyed in a geode pattern and has a V-neck on one side, boat neck on the other, and can be worn front or back, belted or not.

Though we don’t want to promote sale shopping, Shabd is having a great sale on her site with 30% off most items from spring.

This dress was one of our favorites.

On sale for $340.

Look for Lustables daily at EcoSalon. 100% gorgeous green finds, and never sponsored. Submit your favorite to tips@ecosalon.com

The post Lustables: Shabd’s Blue Marble Geode Dress 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.

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It has come to my attention that the current economic downturn has resulted in a reduction of global warming gases in the United States.  The recession has led to a smaller economy and less energy consumption, which, in turn, has led to cleaner air.

This is good news to be sure, but I don’t know how much enthusiasm I can work up for it. “Silver linings” are tricky things, and there is sometimes little comfort to be had when a benefit results from a massively gloomy situation.  If I found out that I had only weeks to live, my reaction would not be “Well, at least I don’t have to hear another word about those damn Kardashians,” although that is certainly the bright side of a tragic and untimely death. Similarly, clean air is nice, but can it really make us care less about worldwide financial ruin? I don’t know the answer to that, but in the spirit of glasses being half full, I offer this list of dubious advantages to a really bad economy.

• Pleading poverty is the new get-out-of-jail-free card. Don’t feel like wasting an entire afternoon antiquing with the ladies? Don’t want to go to a fancy restaurant with the most boring couple you’ve ever known? Claiming you can’t afford it is the new way to get out of everything. And no one will dare try to talk you out of it.
• Everything is on sale. Seriously. From cashmere sweaters to cocaine, from condos to Caribbean vacations, everything can be had at a discount.
• The general public has caught up with me and now people everywhere distrust the fashion industry. I am no longer alone in feeling that there isn’t a sheath dress on earth worth $1,700. As more and more women are forced to keep wearing the clothes they purchased in 2007, they are disinclined to slavishly follow style makers who decree that the new fashion “must haves” are bolero jackets, harem pants, and anything chartreuse.
• Comfort food has made a comeback. Belt-tightening has brought depression-era food back in style as consumers lose their taste for extravagantly whimsical restaurant dishes. Fewer and fewer eateries feature main courses that ascend 12-inches into the air, the main components of which are jicama, white truffles, and beef cheeks. Restaurants that want to stay in business have begun re-thinking the appeal of $22.00 appetizers, opting instead for meatloaf, fried chicken and artisanal ring dings.
• In related news: Maitre d’s and hostesses in fine restaurants have become noticeably more polite. Gone are the days when restaurants had unlisted telephone numbers and bad-tempered models worked the reservation desk. Eating out is still expensive, but it is now possible to dine in nice restaurants without sleeping with or giving birth to the chef.
• Due to the obscene expense of taxis, it is far easier to hail a cab in Manhattan. Conversely, it is next to impossible to find a seat on the cross-town bus.
• Plumbers, electricians and painters who would not return your phone calls five years ago now send out holiday greeting cards and call to solicit your business.
• The recession has put a significant and well-documented strain on relationships. On the bright side, it has also raised the value of gold. So your marriage may be breaking up, but you will probably get a really good price if you have to sell your wedding ring for scrap metal.
• In order to make themselves more marketable, and better able to find jobs in a down economy, young people are getting their tattoos removed – as mothers everywhere rejoice.

Editor’s Note: Susan Goldberg is a slightly lapsed treehugger. Although known to overuse paper products, she has the best of intentions – and a really small SUV. Catch her column, The Goldberg Variations, each week here at EcoSalon.

Image: marysecasol.com

The post The Goldberg Variations: The Upside of a Down Economy appeared first on EcoSalon.

Ever thought of yourself in a jumpsuit?

Probably one of the most versatile pieces you could ever have in your wardrobe, the jumpsuit has been worn by aviators, Nascar drivers and almost as many edgy fashionistas as toned Olympic swimmers. However, the trick with wearing it is to make it look current (and hopefully not Nascar).

For this week’s Stylish Steal I found this one at Beklina that is perfect in all its silken glory. The Raasta Palua silk Jumpsuit is fully lined, has side pockets, a wide and comfortable elastic band along the top neckline and my favorite, a silk patched removable and fully adjustable neon pink, lime and navy tie belt. On sale at Beklina for $90.

You could wear lots of different shoes with your Raasta Palua jumpsuit including strappy, metallic heels, but these chunky heels from Olsen Haus are great too, and give you a little lift to lengthen the look. On sale at Endless for $110.52.

To make the look a little sweeter, try these Olsen Haus metallic flats on for size. On sale at Endless for $77.52.

Though not on sale, I love these Sun Earrings from Mociun to wear with this outfit (try hard to disregard the berry stained fingers holding them). Priced at $260.

Depending on where you live, you might be needing something to wear over your shoulders. I suggest grabbing your favorite cropped, maybe sheer, navy cardigan or blazer. Not to stay so matchy matchy would be to play with the brown in the heels, or the pink or green in the belt.

Fashion is all about what you make of it, so have fun!

The post Stylish Steals: The Versatility of a Jumpsuit appeared first on EcoSalon.

Forgive me, but I never fail to get excited about pretty green things. And while it’s not breaking news that vintage is a fabulous way to shop, I can’t help but shout when something old becomes new again – especially when it’s something made with an exquisite emphasis on craftsmanship rather than mass production.

The Gustavian Vintage Bed at VivaTerra caught my eye for just that reason. The sensuous curves of its arched headboard fit perfectly with the strength of its frame. Made of reclaimed Douglas fir that grows more beautiful with age, the bed reveals all the special details of weathered wood.

The designer uses only “low VOC, water based materials and water based, non-toxic stains” on its furniture as well as water soluble, formaldehyde free glues. There’s a whole lot of eco-friendly going on here.

The Gustavian would look comfortable in a country home or the sleekest of modern abodes. Dressed in anything from these sheets to any of these, sweet dreams are only an eco-second away.

Available in sizes Queen, King or Cal King at VivaTerra for $1675 – $1775. (That’s 15% off until February 5th!)

The post Gustavian Dreams appeared first on EcoSalon.

Hurry up and hop on to the Lush website for a “just in time” holiday special. From now through November 28, the natural bath and body product line if offering a free gift of up to $20 when you spend $50 or more. Knock out a few gifts for friends and family and get one free for yourself while you’re at it. Choose from holiday gift sets to the holiday bubble bar and Christmas party bath bomb. The Lush site makes it easy to shop by price point-choose your range, check names off your list, all while staying within your budget. Lush never seemed so easy.

The post A Lush Holiday Treat appeared first on EcoSalon.

Last week I wrote about Anti-Body’s line of natural bath and body products. Since then I’ve had the liberty of testing out the peppermint lip balm known to rival Burt’s Bees and I must say that I’m hooked. It’s not as pungent as Burt’s and leaves lips feeling silky and soft, rather than sticky and tingly.

Anti-Body wants you to see for yourself, and so, right in time for the holidays, they are offering EcoSalon readers 10% off a total online order. This special coupon will be available through December 31 when you enter the “EcoSalon” code upon checkout. These products make great gifts, so buy away. Thanks, Anti-Body!

The post A Treat from Anti-Body Just for You appeared first on EcoSalon.

There’s lots of activity in the fashion blog world this week-deals, beauty tips, and more. Check out these links.

The Bargain Queen tests the theory about Tarte’s 4 Day Stay Lash Stain mascara. Watch the video to see what happens.

Hip Candy is selling some cute shoes she purchased from eBay.

Scope of three croc bags that Fashion Pulse found for less than $50.

Fashiontribes shares a tip on how to keep your winter boots organized.

The Fashionable Gal gives us a lesson in fashion vocabulary.

The Fashionable Housewife shares her tip for shedding a few pounds without losing any weight.

Barking Dog Shoes shows us how to win a pair of Dansko clogs.

Image: Vitor Shalom

The post Week in Chic Fashion Links appeared first on EcoSalon.

This morning I came in from fetching the paper and realized something: my doormat is seriously ugly. And since that’s the first thing people see when they come over, why hadn’t I chosen something nicer by now? I’m ordering the flip flop door mat – even if no one notices, at least I’ll have something colorful to look at every morning.

Made from recycled flip flops, this fun, squishy piece will easily withstand the winter weather that’s just around the corner. I think this mat could easily work in the kitchen or mud room, too. Not quite your style? The Vintage Belt floor mat, the Rolling Meadow rug or the Series of Eight rug may suite your taste. ($29-89, various sizes.)

The post Flip Your Doormat appeared first on EcoSalon.

Legend has it there was a time when you could move through the fashion boutiques, Murano shops and cafes of San Marcos Square without battling monstrous crowds. Friends of mine even speak of walking right into the Duomo, right on in. No sweating a one-hour line.

But these days, the main island of the famous Grand Canal is as packed as Disneyland in July, heaving with tour groups fresh off cruise ships and trains, eager to look, but not to buy.

While the spastic market hasn’t exactly curbed travel to Venice, it has greatly affected spending. Cutting back is how we mend our broken economy and certainly in line with efforts to create a more sustainable green planet. But it spells disaster to vendors entirely dependent upon the tourist trade. And boy, are they steamed.

In one charming negozio I visited off the square, a weathered bleach-blonde Italian woman was holding her head in agony and sighing as visitors examined her delicate blown glass perfume bottles and animals.

“Is it all right to touch these?” I inquired, meekly, pawing an adorable mini glass fish bowl with itty-bitty glass goldfish.

“Please do, madam,” she replied. “Please, go ahead and break something. It’s the only way I’ll make some money today.”

I burst out laughing at her remark but the bizarre attitude I encountered in a fashion boutique called Pignaton wasn’t so funny. A brunette saleswoman in her late 20s shadowed me at a furious pace, refolding Missoni sweaters and scarves I had touched, muttering naughty Italian words under her breath, words I hadn’t learned in my San Francisco summer class.

“Look, I have to touch when I shop,” I explained to my shadow,  thinking an Italian, of all people, would get that shopping is a highly tactile experience.

After all, I had done plenty of heavy petting in the Furla stores of Rome and Florence before parting with euros for purple leather wallets, zipper-front gloves, patent clutch bags and ruffled scarves. In fact, I thought my mother and I had made quite a dent in Italy’s suffering economy with our hands-on approach to shopping.

“Sure, that’s what you Americans always say, but in Italy we don’t have to touch, we don’t have to touch, we aren’t like that,” she barked at me, red-faced.

Speaking of touched! I feared if I didn’t leave the shop immediately the hostile merchant might attack me with a Versace borsa. Guess she sized me up as one of those tourists who unfold but don’t buy. (Boy was she wrong. I even refold if you give me a minuto.)

Yet I have to sympathize with these merchants. They’re bombarded daily with internationals asking what items cost and seeking directions (the square is a virtual maze of alleys and crannies).

A darling woman named Liliana I met at a Murano glass factory told me she moved to Lido Island to escape the hordes and their incessant questions. Before that she had escaped Romania by coming to Venice to make money and be with all of the nice people.

While the euro to dollar exchange rate has improved to 1.35 (it was 1.60 last spring), the falling dollar has really hurt the Italian economy (see my earlier post on the Italian recession). The most visible bruises are in Venice where everything depends upon filling those gondolas tethered in the lagoon.

Before my recent  trip, I swore I would limit purchases to souvenirs for my kids because Italian prices are so darn high.  But I couldn’t resist the stunning accessories calling to me from store windows. When I returned home I found the items at Furla cost more here than in Italy and wished I had bought more. But clearly, I was one of the few toting shopping bags around the square.

A news report in PINR  warned the dramatic drop in consumer spending in Italy would add insult to the injury in other key fields where the country has lagged behind. These include scientific research, high-tech innovation and labor productivity.

According to the report, another disappointment is “the lack of strategy to reduce the country’s alarming energy dependence.”

All of it adds up to a crisis that could have retailers hanging permanent chiuso signs on their doors. While heavy hitters Gucci, Pucci and Armani might be able to withstand the drought (despite their outrageous, museum-like prices on goods), small vendors like Pignaton seem to be dying of thirst with no bottle of Brunello in sight.

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