ColumnThe freshest, easiest and simplest trend for spring 2015 is the crisp and clean white tee. This plain garment can work wonders by sprucing up a casual denim look or bring a bit of street style edge to a dressier look. Check out our 7 favorite plain white tees in this edition of On Trend!

1. Livie Tee by Stateside

We LOVE the twist to this made in the USA simple white tee (pictured top) that’s adding just the perfect amount of aesthetic and sex appeal to make it fashionable and attractive. Wear it with your favorite jeans and spring kicks or a fitted mini skirt and ankle booties and dress it up with some statement jewelry.

$74

2. Ballet Neck Box Top by Eileen Fisher

An elegant classic, this feminine and light ballet neck top is made from a blend of cotton and linen, making it perfect for spring. Wear it with a pretty skirt for a clean cut look, but be sure to mix it up with some sexy heels.

$158

3. Logan Tee by Peace Love World

If you’re looking for something super simple, this micro modal tee from Peace Love World is the perfect match. It’s so soft and light, perfect for casual days out or for layering under sweaters and coats until the weather warms up.

$88

4. Sleeveless Tee by Adidas by Stella McCartney

Spruce up your activewear in this organic cotton and recycled polyester tee by environmentally active designer Stella McCartney. It’s cute enough to take you from your workout to the juice bar!

$80

5. Asymmetric Layer Tee by DKNY

Made from eco-friendly Tencel and cotton, this trendy take on the white tee is the perfect complement to easy jeans, shorts or a cute little skirt. Wear it with flats for a casual look or dress it up with leggings and heeled boots.

$215

6. Organic Linen U-Neck Tee by Eileen Fisher

Another classic from Eileen Fisher, this simple organic linen tee is a staple layering piece perfect for any time of the year. Wear it with practically anything!

$158

7. Embroidered Off the Shoulder Corset by Free People

We had to add a sexy little number, especially since this embroidered white corset is so on trend for the upcoming season. Wear it with jeans, cut off shorts or loose cotton pants for the boho look, or go more sophisticated with a pencil skirt and heels.

$78

More On Trend

Super Sweet Sustainable Sneakers for Spring (Because Warmer Weather is Coming!): On Trend

More Pleats Please! Spring’s Must Have Look is in the Fold: On Trend

The Sustainable Shirtdress: On Trend 

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Easy-to-find vintage trends are everywhere, you just have to know what to look for when thrift shopping.

Style is a balancing act. We want clothes that are feminine and sleek, tailored but relaxed, to look like we cared but at the same time appear as if it was effortless. And while the overwhelming fashion trend of the last decade has been for individualism, more than ever we are all dressing alike. Take a look around you. Mothers, daughters – and even grandmothers – are all wearing the same uniform of skinny jeans, boots and flowy tops. No wonder second-hand and gently-used clothing is what the cool kids are buying these days; it’s exceedingly unlikely anyone else – especially your mother – will be wearing what you are.

The key to the new way of dressing is to keep an eye on current trends to see what past fashions are being reconstituted now. Some seasons seem to be so revolutionary that we’re breathless at what to make of all the newness, while others like spring and the recent fall fashion shows reinterpret the trends we’ve already seen way-back-when and increasingly, in the oh-so-recent past. Luckily for lovers of secondhand style, the enduring feeling for ’50s-meets-’70s-meets-grunge styles made modern means its simple to create a unique look that’s all your own.

Here are five items that can be found in plentiful supply in vintage and thrift stores and – luckily for you and the planet – are making a comeback in this season’s and fall’s 2013 styles.

Image: nymag.com

1. The Wide Brimmed Fedora – As soon as Heidi Slimane’s Saint Laurent woman strutted down the runway peeking out from under her big brimmed fedora every fast fashion chain added this style to their must-manufacture list. Mysterious and androgynously  alluring, it’s sure to be a hot trend this fall. Yes, you could buy one of the hundreds of thousands of cheap knockoffs about to be widely available, but it’s worth trying to find a vintage one with some provenance and patina – the jackpot benefit of secondhand shopping. I found a similar style at my local resale shop recently. It was an original piece of safari-themed Banana Republic from the late ’70s (before The Gap bought them out). Still in perfect condition, the quality of materials used then is impossible to beat – they just don’t make ‘em like they used to.

Image: UK Marie Claire

2. Pretty Pastels – Anything you can find in baby pink, soft apricot and pale seafoam, just grab it. For fairer skins and complexions not yet tanned by spring sunshine, pastels tones are incredibly flattering to wear this season. The black-on-black trend is huge for fall but many designers were also making a compelling case for winter pastels next season too. It’s the one sweet treat you don’t have to avoid, so go ahead and indulge.

Image: Mark Gregory & Co.

3. The Oversized Watch – The trend for menswear-inspired vintage watches is here to stay. I know it’s a crazy idea, but how about everyone stops buying those vintage-looking time pieces and buy an actual vintage time piece? The joys of wearing upon your wrist an object that has a former owner and its own curious history is a true delight and is naturally, way more interesting looking. Go down to your local jewelry repair shop and take a look at all those lovely looking faces – oh the times they have to tell.

Image: themoderncool.com

4. Full skirts  –  Like the pastel trend, this one comes straight from the ’50s. As the natural continuation of the peplum, this timeless trend also creates a flattering silhouette. Bell-shaped skirts and dresses with pretty ruffled details are huge this spring, but be sure to tone down the romance by pairing with a tucked-in tank top or a cropped jacket – another notable trend this season.

Image: Gotham Magazine

5. Slip dress – Encapsulating the mid-nineties waify wardrobe, the slip dress has re-emerged as the season’s cocktail silhouette. Search in the lingerie section of your vintage store and find the least lacy and most opaque version you can find. Just as it was in the Reality Bites era, the delicate style is best balanced with tough-looking boots and biker jackets.

Top image: Fab sugar

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It’s crisp, fresh and perfect for summer. Here are tips for pulling off the all-white trend.

There was an abundance of white on the spring 2012 collection runways. It shouldn’t surprise us – nothing says summer more than crisp, fresh white. It’s a great trend with infinite possibilities, and is best worn top to toe – monochrome style. If you know how to pull it off, the only thing you have to fear is colored liquids.

Take inspiration from this runway look by Celine but bring it down to an everyday casual level. If you’re going to wear white pants, denim is the safest way to go. The fabric is thick enough so that you don’t see what you’re wearing underneath, and it also hides flaws (hello, cellulite) that lighter fabrics may enhance. Roll ’em up to ankle-length, pair with a loose-fitting, minimalist top made from 100% cupro and discreetly patterned vegan wedge sandals.

Carpenter Jean in White by Prairie Underground, $175, Juno & Jove / Sydney Top, $105, EcoSkin / Bounty Ankle-Strap Wedge, $150, Cri de Coeur

Mixing different hues of white is a great way to create a bit more layered texture and keep from looking too monochrome. This look by Chloe hits on many of spring’s biggest trends — mixed shades of white, wide-leg pants and wearing a collared shirt underneath a knit sweater. Copy it with an organic knit sweater and organic cotton pants by German eco-label Hessnatur, and a crisp white shirt by Kami Organic. Roll up the sweater sleeves so that the white shirt peeks out underneath.

Organic Cotton Sweater, $98, Hessnatur / Organic Cotton Pants, $98, Hessnatur / White Shirt, Approx. $230, Place des Tendences

White doesn’t have to be dressed-up, it can be low-key and casual. Taking inspiration from the runway doesn’t have to be literal either. This look by Sportmax is all about layering, length and volume. Start with a long, flowy organic cotton dress by Loup Charmant, add a cardigan from Stewart + Brown and a recycled polyester anorak from Organic by John Patrick for a nice layered effect that is elegant without being too fancy.

Organic by John Patrick Anorak Coat, $365, Juno & Jove / Lapel Cardigan by Stewart + Brown, $185, Juno & Jove / Swallowtail Cover Up, $150, Loup Charmant

Get inspired by Alexander Wang’s all-white runway look and be the epitome of casual cool in a perfectly slouchy shirt by Yana K. and pair of Organic cotton shorts by Eairth. White shorts look insanely good against tan summer legs. Dress them up with a Native American-inspired beaded belt and high heels. One last word of advice when it comes to wearing white: invest in good nude-colored underwear.

Itweg Nomad Shorts by Eairth, $115.00, Juno & Jove / Girlfriend Blouse by Yana K., On sale for $84.95, Future:Standard

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Celebrate the arrival of spring by wearing sustainable pieces in fresh floral patterns.

It seems that spring has sprung early in many parts of the country. Where I live, the air is filled with a sweet scent of orange blossoms and jasmine. Flowers are, indeed, a sign that warmer times are coming in the very near future. Celebrate this by wearing sweet floral prints, which also happens to be one of spring’s hottest trends.

The Cousteau Jacket by Feral Childe 
This little number is a fresh update to the spring jacket. It features one of those great prints that Feral Childe designers Alice Wu and Moriah Carlson are known for (another was famously knocked-off by retail behemoth Forever 21). Made in NYC, from 100% silk crepe.
$320, Kaight

Drip Top by H. Fredriksson
Brooklyn-based designer Helena Fredriksson is also known for her innovative prints, often based on photographs she has taken during her travels. The draping of this top gives it a great fit, sure to flatter most figures. Sustainably made by skilled craftspeople in NYC’s Garment District.
$242, Juno & Jove 

Alkemie Lavender Bangle
We love that this lavender bangle hints at the floral trend without being overt about it. It’s simply a subtle hint to nature. Like all Alkemie’s jewelry, this bangle is handmade in Los Angeles, using 100% reclaimed metal.
$198, Alkemie

People Tree Delicate Flower Shell Top
This sleeveless white peter pan collar top with red and blue mini floral print is a throwback to the 50s, when everything seemed just a bit more polished. Wear it with ankle-length pink pants and pointed-toe kitten heels and you have an outfit worthy of Betty Draper. Perfect paired with jeans or shorts. Made in India from 100% organic cotton.
Approx. $67, PeopleTree

AFIA Goddess One Shoulder Dress
This gorgeous one shoulder dress is just begging to be worn to a springtime garden party where croquet is being played. AFIA designer Meghan Sebold handpicks the cotton wax fabric for all her pieces from the markets in Ghana’s capital city Accra. The clothing is made in sewing cooperatives in Ghana, where artisans are paid a fair wage for their craft.
$200, AFIA

Silver Spoon Jewelry Rose Ring
This rose wrap ring is handmade in the U.S., from antique silver plated demitasse spoon handles. Who says silverware can’t be fashionable? Infinitely adjustable, it fits all sizes and fingers.
$29, FairTribe

Jeffrey Campbell Vegan Sprint Wedge
Part of Jeffrey Campbell’s collection for vegan shoe label Convert, this wedge heel is the perfect mix of springtime color and sporty freshness. Wear it as a way to add interest to any simple outfit, or pair it with other patterned pieces to channel another of spring’s biggest trends.
$120, Convert

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Trench coats never go out of style. We’ve picked out five to wear this spring.

The trench coat is one of those classics that never really goes out of style. This spring, however, it’s a very on trend garment that you can wear with anything from cropped jeans to a cute dress. A good trench is an investment that will last for a very long time. You could always go for a classic beige one, but consider choosing from other fun variations of the trench offered right now – with colors and unexpected details giving new life to this beloved wardrobe staple. We’ve picked out five eco-trench coats that we think would make excellent additions to your spring wardrobe.

Grommet Detailed Trench Coat by Edun
This cool yet classic trench coat from Edun is made from a blend of organic cotton, polyester and hemp. The grommet details add some interest to this otherwise simple piece, making it edgier. Avoid the head-to-toe black look by pairing it with white denim, a bright-colored top and heels.
$598, Edun

Linda Loudermilk Siren Coat
This 100% organic cotton lace coat by eco-designer Linda Loudermilk is gorgeous, timeless and graceful. It’s also made in the U.S. With this trench coat you’ll hit two of spring’s biggest trends – white and lace – in one shot. Wear it with a white or pastel-colored dress or toughen it up with distressed denim.
$575, Juno & Jove

Organic by John Patrick Double Breasted Trench
This classic, double-breasted trench coat by Organic by John Patrick features a slightly relaxed silhouette with tie belt at waist. It’s made from 100% recycled cotton and fully lined in Cupro. The utility-green color is a good complement to many of springs other trends, like color blocking, patterns and pastels.
$550, La Garçonne

Mini Soft Trench by Prairie Underground
Part of Prairie Underground’s Spring 2012 collection, this oyster white trench has a simple cut which makes it a timeless addition to your spring wardrobe. If you want to add a bit more visual interest, swap out the belt for a wide, patterned or colored one.
$248, Show Pony Seattle

Vintage Belted Wrap Coat
This vintage belted wrap coat is part of Kaight’s Vintage Shop in a Shop, where the NYC-based eco-boutique is now featuring some of our favorite pieces from the shop online. Made from 100% wool, this mint green coat has pockets and is the perfect length to wear as a dress jacket.
$150, Kaight

The post On Trend: Five Trench Coats for Spring appeared first on EcoSalon.

Mint green is one of spring’s hottest colors. Here are six chic ways to wear it.

One of spring’s hottest hues also happens to be one of the freshest – minty green. It’s a breeze of fresh air in your wardrobe and combines well with staples like black, gray and white as well as with spring’s other pastels. Wear all solid basics or combine them with patterned pieces for a more layered look.

Capucine Bubble Dress by IDEO in Jade
This cute Ideo bubble dress features short pleated sleeves, a V-neck and elastic bubble hem. It’s ethically made in India, under fair labor standards using a light 100% organic ECOCERT labeled cotton jersey and dyed using water-based dyes.
$24, Fairtribe

Reuse Jeans Colored Skinnys
These bright, minty-colored skinny jeans are made with 70% recycled cotton 28% new cotton and 2% spandex and features Reuse jeans’ 4-way stretch denim, which ensures this jean will hug you in all the right places.
$95, Reuse Jeans

Lina Rennell Snap Top
This green top by eco-designer Lina Rennell features a check print, enclosed seams, brass snaps down front, 3/4 sleeves with cuffs, and an asymmetrical hem. Ethically made by hand, from 100% silk crepe, in Northern California.
$290, Beklina

The Beth Loop Scarf by Njabini
This Seafoam green double loop scarf by Njabini will keep you warm and toasty through cold spring nights. It’s hand knit in Njabini, Kenya. 50% of the sale price is put back into the hands of the women Njabini employs, stimulating the local economy, while 20% is donated to non-profit Flying Kites Global, which operates a children’s home and primary school in Njabini.
$36, Njabini

Jeffrey Campbell Rumble Boot
These mint green boots, part of Jeffrey Campbell’s exclusive vegan collection for Convert is the perfect way to add a touch of mint to an otherwise casual outfit. Pair them with jeans, a tee and a pattern scarf in minty tones and you’ll be on trend all through fall.
$155, Convert

Priti NYC Polish in Dusty Miller
The minty fresh hue of this polish is obtained without the use of any toxic ingredients, including formaldehyde. Priti NYC uses ingredients derived from organic compounds that are not only safe for humans but often used in food as well. All colors have been approved by the FDA.
$12.50, Priti NYC

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Nine ways to wear one of spring’s hottest trends: ankle-length pants.

Ankle-length pants have been seen on the runways of fashion darlings like Isabel Marant for a few seasons now. This spring, it’s the hottest pant shape. A definite love-it-or-hate-it trend, ankle-length pants are easy to pull off, if you know how. The secret: picking the right shoes. We’ve done the work for you and found nine cropped pants and shoes that will make each look a home-run. Pair with a simple tee and a cropped jacket or long blazer and you’re wearing the spring trend as it should be.

Red is one of the hottest hues this spring when it comes to pants. Get inspired by Isabel Marant’s latest runway collection and pair your skinny ankle-length jeans with black pointed-toe pumps. It’s a fail-safe look.

Eileen Fisher Organic Stretch Twill Slim Ankle Jean in Saffron, $178, Eileen Fisher / Novacas Vegan Olivia Pump, on sale for $39.99, Moo Shoes

Take a walk on the wild side by pairing cropped cigarette jeans from Edun with cruelty-free vegan loafers in leopard print. All hues of pink – from soft pastel to hot fuchsia – are very on trend for spring.

Cropped Cigarette Jean, $198, Edun / Leopard-print Loafers, on sale for approx. $97, Beyond Skin

Most people will look best in a pair of skinny ankle-length pants, simply because they are more flattering and tend to accentuate the curve of the calves. Play with another of spring’s trends – stripes – in these organic cotton leggings by Feral Childe and pink vegan pinup-style sandals with a striped cork wedge heel.

Feral Childe Organic Cotton Chain Link Legging, on sale for $69, Jute & Jackfruit / Vegan Wedge Pindowns, on sale for $99, Fluevog Shoes

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, prints are huge for spring. Combine these galaxy/flower print cropped pants with yellow strappy sandals by Cri de Coeur and you’ll nail another hot trend – monochrome.

Low-waisted Skinny Pant, on sale for $112.50, Suno NY / Elegance T-strap Vegan Sandals, on sale for $50, Cri de Coeur

Strike the perfect balance between casual cool and street-savvy elegance by pairing Stewart + Brown’s Organic cotton sweats with shiny black rubber platform heels by Melissa. Top it off with a long black blazer and you may just get away with wearing sweat pants to a fancy dinner.

Stewart + Brown Terry Sweat Pants, $133, Stewart + Brown / Melissa Amazonas Platform Sandals, on sale for $67, Tobi

For a more avant-garde take on the ankle-length pant trend, pair these Organic wool trousers by designer Bruno Pieter’s new line Honest By, with a pair of vegan creepers. Keeping the look simple in all black keeps you from looking like a kid who outgrew his pants.

Adjustable Organic Wool Trousers, approx. $608, Honest By / Novacas Vegan Oxfords, $129.95, Compassion Couture

Keep things easy and breezy by pairing loose-fitting cropped pants by Dace with elegant architectural slingback heels. Add a lace top, sand-colored blazer and or loose-knit sweater and you’ll look like the nature-babe you are.

Dace Timothy Pants, on sale for $122.95, Future:Standard/ Clio Ankle Strap Vegan Wedges, $380, Cri de Coeur

If you’re ready to be totally daring with this trend, pair this printed jumpsuit by Edun with a pair of graphic black and white sandals. You’re guaranteed to turn some heads. Chances are, though, that this look will only work on amazonian model types.

Yoruba Print Jumpsuit, $489, Edun / Charm Bib-front Sandal, on sale for $42.50, Cri de Coeur

The post How To Wear It: Ankle-Length Pants appeared first on EcoSalon.

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

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