Our favorite accessory picks to keep you on trend this season.

The eye-catching shoe, the to-die-for purse or perfect pair of sunglasses, they induce covetousness from all but the most prudent. And you can’t blame us really, after all, accessories are what separate us from the animals as Olympia Dukakis famously opined as Clairee Belcher, in the ’80’s classic Steel Magnolias.

That wise character knew that style is in the small details. Those finishing touches can really transform the simplest of outfits, making accessorizing an essential skill for those who keep one eye on fashion and the another on the planet.

In a season that embraced trends as pastiche as pastel colorblocking, sheer paneling, solid gold throwbacks and flamenco ruffles, the best strategy – for those hoping our new purchases remain relevant beyond the end of June – is to keep your basics basic and focus on accessories to keep you on trend.

Image: Stella McCartney

1. Stella McCartney’s Valerie faux suede platform sandals feature a transparent wedge in this seasons hottest material plexi. Part of the 90’s revisit, the see-through trend is a clear hit this season.

Image: Warby Parker

2, Inspired by the mod feel of the ‘60s, hexagon-shaped sunglasses are a unique way to inject this seasons trend for geometric retro designs into your look. In addition to being beautifully made by design-centric designer frames maker, Warby Parker, for every pair of glasses sold, a pair will be donated to a person in need.

Image: I. Ronni Kappos

3. Spring’s dominating pastel palette has even die-hard goths dreaming of sugar and spice and all things nice. They’re easy to love, but harder to mix in with an already established wardrobe of darker clothing. A subtler way to add the prettiness of pastels to your seasonal look is to wear one of Ronni Kappos delicate pieces. Made from a collection of vintage glass beads salvaged from a long-forgotten German glassworks factory, the pigments used in the creation of the beads are no longer available making each piece a one-of-a-kind treasure.

Image: Vogue.co.uk

4. While the ‘it’ bag trend has lost some of its steam recently and so much of the pressure to change the color of our purses each season evaporated, the need for a classic carryall remains. Gucci launched the world’s first collection of zero-deforestation handbags during Paris Fashion Week last month. Guaranteed to have caused zero-deforestation, the eco versions of its Jackie, Hobo, and Tote bags each come with a passport detailing the exact history of its chain of supply, ensuring that all the cow hides used are legally and ethically produced.

Image: Beklina

5. Paisley prints are among the trendiest patterns this season. Hui Hui’s colorful and large scarf in string paisley print is made from 100 percent silk and adds a bohemian air to every look. Hui Hui is an independent German designer creating luxury scarves with hand crafted detailing, good ethics, high-end construction with a focus on amazing fresh modern prints.

Top Image: Adorned Magazine

The post 5 Spring Accessories: It’s All In The Details appeared first on EcoSalon.

ColumnFor a true fashion lover, seeing the explosion of new trends that come down the runways at fashion weeks around the world each season is exhilarating.

Making sense of new fashion trends can be quite daunting, and something that looks great on a runway model may not exactly be ideal for you. From black and white to bright color, graphic patterns to lace and embellishments, and ’90s grunge to statement sunglasses, here are our top ten wearable trends for spring.

Left: Louis Vuitton S/S 2013, right: Tommy Hilfiger S/S 2013. Photos via Style.com

1. Graphic Patterns: Stripes, Checks & Polka Dots
For fans of geometric simplicity and straight lines, this is looking to be the best spring ever. Graphic prints, from chessboard checks and burglar stripes to polka dots were seen on the runways of Diane von Furstenberg,  Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors and Tommy Hilfiger. Don’t be afraid to mix these prints, the key is to keep them simple and graphic and in an understated primary color scheme.

Left: Diane von Furstenberg S/S 2013, right: Marc Jacobs S/S 2013. Photos via Style.com

2. Black & White
Minimalists around the world rejoice, finally spring does not mean we have to wear pastels! Many designers — including Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler, DKNY, Diane von Furstenberg, Calvin Klein, Narciso Rodriguez, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Diesel Black Gold, and Jen Kao — emphasized black and white in their spring collections. We’ve already talked about this trend and given you some ideas on conscious choices that will achieve the look. Seasonless and certain to have timeless appeal, this trend is the epitome of wearable. For extra impact, combine this trend with the graphic print one (above).

Left & right: Barbara Bui S/S 2013. Photos via Style.com

3. Black & Blue
A holdover from winter, the black and blue trend has staying-power for spring as well. If you want to brighten things up a bit, opt for a bright Yves Klein blue instead of darker navy. We’ve already given you some suggestions how to adapt this trend into your wardrobe in an eco-chic way, and Ohne Titel, Vera Wang, Helmut Lang and Barbara Bui showed some interesting takes on this trend in their spring collections. These colors are both timeless basics, so the best way to ensure you invest in clothing that will last you for a long time is to buy solid black and blue separates and combine them.

Left: Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2013, right: Jen Kao S/S 2013. Photos via Style.com

4. Lace & Embellishments
Spring is the season of romance, and this year it comes through in fashion as well. Couture elements like lace and intricate embellishments were seen at Vera Wang, Jason Wu, Lela Rose, Alexander McQueen, Jill Stuart, Pierre Balmain, Thakoon, Carolina Herrera, Jen Kao, Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana and Roberto Cavalli (just to name a few). Don’t fret if you don’t have any red carpet affairs to attend, this look is easily dressed down for everyday wear by combining embellished pieces, such as shoes or a top, with jeans. Also, the great news is that pieces like this, especially lace, can easily be found in almost every thrift store. Look for pieces that are clean and well-maintained and always keep in mind that an old lace dress can easily be turned into a spectacular top.

Left: Helmut Lang S/S 2013, right: Stella McCartney S/S 2013. Photos via Style.com

5. Bright Color
Vibrant color has been in fashion for quite some time now, but it’s a trend that is still going strong. Instead of color-blocking, you’ll want to wear your brights from head to toe or combine them with black or white for a more graphic statement. Pretty much any bright color goes, but runway standouts were electric Yves Klein blue (Stella McCartney, Gucci, Chanel, Derek Lam, Ohne Titel), sunshine yellow (DKNY, DvF), acid green (Stella McCartney), bright orange (Helmut Lang), fuschia pink (Jenni Kayne), deep purple (J. Mendel), coral (Jason Wu), sea foam (Blumarine, Gucci, Alberta Ferretti, Antonio Berardi) and bright vermillion red (Valentino, Gareth Pugh, Giambattista Valli). Thanks to the ’80s, this is a trend that can easily be thrifted as well.

Left: Rag & Bone S/S 2013, right: Derek Lam S/S 2011. Photos via Style.com

6. Flares & Long Shorts
Wave farewell to the ultrashort hot pants of last spring and thank the fashion gods for bringing back the Bermuda-length shorts this spring. This style is much easier for all women to wear, as seen on the runways of Peter Som, Rag & Bone, DKNY and more. Keep the fit loose, and avoid cutting off the legs visually, make sure your shorts are cut just right above the knee. For those who prefer their pants long, flares have made a major comeback this spring. Channel the ’70s with light-wash denim bellbottoms, pair a tailored shirt with dark-wash denim flares, or take a cue from Bianca Jagger and give the wide-leg tuxedo a try.

Left: Isabel Marant S/S 2013, right: Edun S/S 2013. Photos via Style.com

7. Exotic Prints & Textiles
New printing techniques have made it possible for designers to really go wild with their prints. From NYFW, we’ve reported on Clover Canyon’s debut collection, which incorporates roadside Americana-inspired prints and is now in stores. Mary Katrantzou is the long-time master of this look, and her signature style is now inspiring a crop of new designers to venture into print-mixing. Another version of this trend draws inspiration from exotic locales, traditional patterns and distinct cultural heritage. Inspiration can be found at Vera Wang, Ralph Lauren, Altuzzara, Marc by Marc Jacobs, J. Crew, Marchesa, Peter Som and Duro Olowu. However, we suggest that if you want to rock this trend, search out brands that actually support the artisans whose cultural traditions inspired the trend.

Left: Saint Laurent S/S 2013, right: Belstaff S/S 2013. Photos via Style.com

8. Leather
Whether we like it or not, there’s no denying that leather is one of spring’s major trends. Designers like Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, Theyskens’ Theory, Derek Lam, Rodarte, Jason Wu, Reed Krakoff, Monique Lhuillier, Saint Laurent and Belstaff all incorporated lots of leather into their spring collections. The good news for vegans and animal lovers is that there are plenty of faux options that will accomplish the look, without harming innocent animals or compromising your conscience. That said, we’re secretly hoping that this trend, along with some designers’ gratuitous use of fur, quickly fades away. If you are going to buy anything made of leather, make sure it’s a timeless piece you intend to keep for a very long time.

image: stylehaüs Pinterest

9. Statement Sunglasses
Isn’t it an exciting time when the sun comes out and you have to start wearing sunglasses every day? This spring, it’s even more exciting because sunglasses have never been more fun. Statement-making versions were seen at Anna Sui, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Erdem, Prada, Tsumori Chisato, Chanel and Diane von Furstenberg, and Karen Walker’s frames have been seen on fashionistas around the globe. Rummage around your drawers for a pair of sunglasses that you really like, and check out this or this tutorial for tips on how to turn them into statement-making trend pieces.

Left & right: Dries van Noten S/S 2013. Photos via Style.com

10. Grunge
Remember the ’90s? Well, it seems that enough time has passed —preciesely 20 years since Marc Jacob’s groundbreaking grunge collection for Perry Ellis, to be exact — for this decade to make a reappearance on the fashion scene. The Cut calls this trend “Nevermind Redux,” and you should indeed look to those great grunge bands of yore for inspiration. The one piece you’ll want to take away from this is the plaid shirt — one of spring’s most versatile wardrobe staples. Tie it around your waist or pair it with more tailored, embellished and elegant pieces to create an impactful high-low contrast. Also, look through your closet for those old Doc Martens, you may just want to start wearing those again too.

Top image via Fucci’s photos

The post On Trend: Top Ten Wearable Trends for Spring appeared first on EcoSalon.

ColumnBlack and blue is one of the hottest color combinations right now. Here’s how to wear it this spring.

We’ve talked about black and white earlier, but another of the hottest color combinations right now is black and blue. Mixing these two hues, previously considered a big fashion no-no, will give you a fresh on-trend look for spring. The great thing about this trend is that both colors are timeless basics, and you may just be able to put together a look from what you already have. If not, here are some suggestions on how to channel this trend.

1. Reuse Jeans Mid Rise Flares
If you’re buying a new pair of jeans this spring, make sure they are flares. This pair, from Reuse Jeans, is made from 80 percent recycled denim and dyed using low-impact dyes. Since water-saving production processes are used, each pair of jeans saves up to 2,500 gallons of water, compared to mainstream denim companies.
$95, Fashioning Change

2. Priti Flowers Nail Polish by Priti NYC
Nail art has never been trendier than it is now. The perfect way to apply the black and blue trend to your fingertips is to give yourself a reverse French manicure with non-toxic polish by Priti NYC. Use 652 – Swan River Daisy for the base coat and 369 – Magic Man Iris for the tips.
$13.50 each, Priti NYC

3. Baggu Medium Pouch
Made in NYC from soft natural milled leather, this cute little pouch is perfect for holding your phone, Metrocards, liptstick and other valuables when you carry a tote bag. For nighttime, you can also use it alone as a small clutch.
$40, Baggu

4. Stewart & Brown Swooping Half Sleeve
Every girl needs a few basic tees in her wardrobe. This asymmetric swoop tee by Stewart + Brown features pockets and seam details, and is made in the U.S. from 100 percent organic lightweight jersey cotton.
$92, Stewart + Brown

5. Rachel Comey Kinta Sandal
The perfect way to channel the black and blue trend is by rocking these open toe sandals by Rachel Comey. Ethically made in Peru, they feature a black textured stamped leather upper, slingback strap and a wood platform wrapped in blue leather.
$380, Beklina

Photos courtesy of the designers, top collage by Johanna Björk

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Feral Childe’s Spring 2013 Collection, The Searchers tells the cautionary tale of a land forgotten. 

We’ve been scratching our heads wondering why the “slow fashion” movement is, well, slower to catch on than its widely embraced cousin, “slow food.”
 One of sustainable fashions most formidable labels, Feral Childe – the print-centric and thoughtful womenswear collaboration between design team, Moriah Carlson and Alice Wu – hopes to connect the dots in its latest collection, The Searchers.

Inspired by the film classics that celebrate the American landscape in all its glory, the pair recreated the story of how the land has sustained people thru the years by evoking the great tradition of home-grown food, migration and homesteading.

“On our reading list were classics such as The Grapes of Wrath, The Good Earth, and My Antonia,” Says Wu. “There is a romantic aspect to all of this but also a darker side. It is extremely difficult for farmers and anyone who makes their livelihood from the land, to grow food successfully, and we are headed for another Dust Bowl if we don’t take care of our natural resources.”

Their latest collection is also a celebration of a long journey taken by Feral Childe that began in 1997. Now producing two collections a year that are designed and made in New York City’s Garment Center with ethically-sourced materials, the label seems to be hitting its stride. Full of the energy of their edgy prints and the comfy brilliance of their signature silhouettes, The Searchers is a strong showing with a series of irresistible outfits for spring.

The water-resistant Trench Coat is a great outerwear pieces for the season.

We caught up with the designers recently, here’s what they had to say:

Rowena Ritchie: Feral Childe has been producing clothing for more than fifteen years now. What have you learned about what women want to wear in the process?

Feral Childe: Throughout our evolution we’ve learned women enjoy wearing comfortable pieces that make them feel confident. We design for women who aren’t afraid to stand out in a crowd, although we always make some “quieter” pieces as well.

The Cabbage Dress layered over the Carrot Jean is an easy way to wear spring’s more relaxed fits. 

RR: What’s a fresh way for women to update their style this season?

FC: We’re seeing a refreshing move away from the skinny jean so this season we created our Carrot Jean, which has a relaxed fit and yet is still very polished. The Carrot Jean goes great with any of the tops in our collection and also we show it styled with some of our dresses as well for that layered look we love so much.

The Sticks and Stones print on the Rake Dress combines an ink drawing with shapes cut out from magazines.

RR: You are known for your innovative prints. Tell us about this collection’s prints and how they came about?

FC: Our prints are designed with the same conceptual rigor that we apply to our fine art practice. We have a set of criteria to make sure that our prints stand out from the rest. The image must be generated with hand-made elements – drawing, painting, or collage for instance – and digital manipulation must be used sparingly. We use the prints to tell the story of the collection. So for spring 2013, some prints reflect the landscape during various stages of planting and human occupation.

The Collard Shirtdress shown in Khadi can be worn loose or cinched at the waist and tied in front or the back. 

RR: Feral Childe have an enduring fondness for the shirtdress. Can you tell us why its such a popular silhouette for modern women’s lives.

FC: We love the utility and flexibility of a shirtdress in all of its guises. We make clothes for industrious, intellectually curious women and there is something about a shirtdress that speaks to to that range. You can be tough and glamorous at the same time in a shirtdress.

A spring must-have. Feral Childe’s beautifully fitted Prairie Blazer.

RR: Where will the collection be available?

FC: We’re available at independent retailers throughout the U.S. and in Canada, such as Kaight and Smith+Butler in NYC, Juno and Jove in Sarasota, Green Tree in Ottawa, Myrtle in LA and online at Beklina.com and Summerland. For a full list of retailers you can check out our website at http://www.feralchilde.com.

The Free Range Top (shown here with Carrot jean)  can be styled so many ways. 

RR: What’s next for Feral Childe?

FC: We are always thinking of ways to improve our fit, and create our next print series. We’d love to form partnerships to have our work reach a wider audience. Right now we are a very lean operation, and we’ve been under the radar as we’ve perfected our aesthetic, but we are excited to see where this year takes us and we feel we’re ready to be discovered.

All images courtesy of: Feral Childe

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Black and white is one of the hottest trends this spring. Get inspired by Louis Vuitton, chess boards and harlequin squares.

One of the hottest trends this spring is, without a doubt, the combination of black and white. The good news is that it’s very easy to copy, and that garments in these basic colors are very unlikely to go out of style. Get inspired by Marc Jacobs’ Spring RTW collection for Louis Vuitton, featuring large checks and harlequin patterns.

1. Zebra Stripe Gilet Sweater by Edun
Made in Africa, this Zebra stripe gilet sweater has a vibe that is both very current and very retro. Made from 100 percent wool, it will also keep you warm during those cold few months we have left until spring comes again. If you want to totally channel the Louis Vuitton-style head-to-toe look, there’s a matching skirt that you can pair this top with.
$148, Edun

2. Vans Checkerboard Slip-Ons
These classic slip-ons by Vans need no formal introduction. They have become part of skate culture and contemporary style, proving their iconoclastic relevance from the street to the fashion pages all around the world. “Their popularity comes from unmatched quality,” the company says, “and they have hence become a big time influence on our Off The Wall efforts to innovate, every step of the way.”
$47, Vans

3. Berlin Harlequin Messenger by The Sway
This handcrafted, made-to-order bag allows you to channel the harlequin trend while still ensuring that you are investing in something that will stand the test of time. The discrete pattern is made of high quality reclaimed patchwork leather and suede. Double trend points for the recycled cotton lining, which features a great black a white pattern.
$418, The Sway

4. Trigo Vertical Clutch by VOZ
This cute little clutch features an eye-catching black and white crisscross pattern. It’s made from 100 percent all natural wool, lined with 100 percent cotton, and naturally dyed with mud, berries and herbs. VOZ, which means “voice” in Spanish, “translates rich indigenous craft into contemporary styles, creating change through beauty.” Through design education and innovation workshops, the company empowers Mapuche weavers in Southern Chile, offering a new voice for their exquisite art form and a way for them to earn a living.
$189, VOZ Apparel

5. Stevie OTK Tassel Platform Boot by Cri de Coeur
These vegan boots give a nod to luxurious 70s style with slouched ultra-suede upper and platform heel. They’re made in an ethical, sweat-shop free factory in China and, despite the 4-inch heel, comfortable as can be. The tassel is an unexpected detail that gives these boots some attitude. And for you crafty people out there, here’s a great DIY project to spice up a pair of boots you already have.
$125, Cri de Coeur

6. Flare Top & Short Short by Titania Inglis
New York-based designer Titania Inglis’ is a master of stylish minimalism and totally nailed the black and white trend in her Spring 2013 collection. This flare top is made from hand-painted Italian silk/organic cotton twill and has a vegetable-tanned leather overlay. Pair with short shorts, made from raw Japanese organic cotton denim.
Available for pre-order: Titania Inglis

Collages by Johanna Björk. Top photo via style.com

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Designer Myrrhia Resneck’s Spring 2013 collection features elegant, flattering, edgy knitwear, sustainably made in California.

One important part of sustainable fashion is local manufacturing, and it can still be challenging to have a fully “Made in the U.S.” fashion line. Oakland-based knitwear designer Myrrhia Resneck of Myrrhia Fine Knitwear has invested heavily in localized production and made it her goal to provide livelihoods in the textile industry in her community.

After one year of production, Myrrhia decided to invest in a Stoll knitting machine – currently the only one of its kind in Northern California – which she intends to use to create a micro industry for surrounding farms and other knitwear lines (NoCal designers, take note).

Myrrhia uses sustainable materials including locally sourced fiber from Northern California and wool and cotton that is sustainably grown and harvested as well as milled into yarn locally. The company is also involved with the Fibershed movement – an organization dedicated to regionalizing fiber sourcing.

In starting her knitwear line, Resneck continues a long-standing family tradition of fashion-related business endeavors. Her maternal great-grandfather started out peddling clothes out of the trunk of a car, her grandfather and great-uncle operated a chain of women’s clothing stores in the Midwest, and, at age 7, Resneck’s paternal grandmother taught her to knit. That same week, she had designed and completed her first project – a pair of green slippers. Fast forward a couple decades and although her focus has changed, that initial passion for knitwear remains.

Myrrhia’s knits and accessories are inspired by “friends and family, technology, and space.” The recently released Spring 2013 collection features patterned maxi skirts, lace knit tops, cropped and boyfriend cardigans, flowing long dresses of scrolling lace and playful short dresses of scoop and boatneck cuts as well as versatile infinity scarfs made of soft, silky knits. The pieces showcase the designer’s sustainability efforts, using fibers like un-dyed organic cotton (grown only 90 miles from Myrrhia’s studio by Foxfibre) and Lenzing Tencel, which is harvested sustainably from Eucalyptus trees.

The pieces are highly wearable, timeless, yet fashion forward. The geometric shapes, lace-like textures and elegantly paired colors work just as well for day as for night. The rich earthy tones and vibrant shades of blue, purple, and teal are universally flattering and goes beyond seasonality to suggest a style of “elegant-femininity-meets-majestic-warrior-goddess nuances.”

We think we can identify with that.

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