Whether your decorating style could be described as classic, cottage, eclectic, modern, or what have you, decorating with stripes fits all tastes.

Many think of decorating with stripes as only appropriate for homes that could be called classic, or preppy, but that’s much too limiting for all the possibilities with this pattern. Decorating with stripes is more than just classic navy and white nautical stripes; although, there is nothing wrong with that if that fits with your style. Stripes are a bold pattern that lends itself nicely to a variety of treatments. Stripes are a perfect pattern for making a statement and work nicely mixed with other patterns like floral, chevron, dots, and more. Stripes can be a great way to add color (like rainbow stripes), or use a monochromatic palette (like black and white) for a more neutral approach.

Decorating with Stripes

Furniture

One easy way to add stripes to a room is with furniture. Fabric-covered chairs or sofas can turn a room from drab to fab. You can even redo an older chair or sofa in striped fabric yourself for a less expensive and more eco-friendly approach. Speaking of DIY, you can add stripes to a much-loved coffee or side table with painters’ tape and paint. Here is a tutorial, if you need a little inspiration to get you started.

Walls

For a more permanent treatment, adding stripes with paint or wallpaper is another way to go. One thing to watch out for is the scale of your stripes to your room. The general rule of thumb is the larger your room, the wider your stripes should be. The other tip to consider is making sure that the stripes don’t take over the room. To that end, try adding stripes to one wall for an accent. If you need a little know-how, the DIY Network is a good place to look for tutorials on how to paint stripes.

Rugs, Curtains, and Textiles

If you don’t own your own space, chances are you aren’t going to be redecorating with paint or wallpaper. Don’t get discouraged, though. It is super easy to add your favorite pattern just by switching up your rug or with new curtains or blinds. You can get quite a bit of drama from a boldly-striped rug or curtains. And if you want to try a bit of DIY, take a look at this tutorial for adding pattern to plain curtains with sharpie markers!

Smaller Touches

Don’t worry if your budget is on the smaller size. Decorating with stripes can be as simple as adding those smaller touches that make a room a home. Accessories like throw pillows, afghans and throws, knickknacks and vases, wall art, lampshades, floor pillows and poufs, and more are all a great way to add whatever the latest color or pattern that you are crazy about. Check out this tutorial for adding stripes to a plain lampshade.

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The post How to Decorate With Stripes for Any Style appeared first on EcoSalon.

Get ready to strut your stripes in a handful of pieces featuring the latest runway trend that hinges on bold lines in crisp black and white as well as a variety of fun colors.

This year’s spring trends have been revealed, and stripes have made the list. Wide black and white graphic stripes, much like their use in interior design, lend a modern edge to most outfits and pair well with a variety of solid colors. Multicolored lines are great for coupling with neutrals, adding a pop of vibrant whimsy to everyday looks. And while thin lines are acceptable, pinstripes are probably better left out of the equation.

If you’re feeling really brave, you can try your hand at pattern mixing. One of spring’s floral or polka dot prints would look great with coordinating stripes. But keeping it basic is always an option by paying homage to the utilitarian simplicity that was also spotted on the catwalk. With that said, take a peek at our choices below, and see if you’re ready to strut your stripes this spring.

1. Bold Handkerchief Skirt

With a fresh silhouette and bold black and cream stripes, this skirt will quickly become a regular in your rotation. Perfect for work or play, this piece can be worn with boots, sandals, and heels, as well as with a variety of tops. From tanks and sweaters, to blouses and oxford button downs, the pairing possibilities are endless. Priced at $89.95

2. Multicolored Lines Dress

Fun, flirty, lightweight, and perfect for spring, the multicolored lines in this dress will have you wishing for warmer weather. Plus, with the ruffled bottom, it’s like having two trends rolled into one! Perfect with booties or sandals and an oversized cardigan, you’ll want to pull this out every time the weekend rolls around. Priced at $178.

3. Black and White Hoodie

Another two-for-one trend can be found in this striped hoodie. An interesting take on the new athleisure, the differing stripes definitely make a statement. Throw it on over jeans, a bikini, or even a flowing maxi skirt for a laid-back weekend-ready piece. We especially like the idea of wearing this with a fun color, like yellow skinny jeans or red shorts, for a touch of the unexpected. Priced at $148.

4. Very Vertical Top

Colorful, beautiful, and great for work or play, this gauzy top would pair well with trousers or jeans. The unique cut is interesting and higher than most, but not so short that it turns into a crop top. Try this with one of spring’s hottest accessories—the extra long pendant necklace. As far as shoes are concerned, a backless mule is great for the office, while a pair of chunky platforms would be awesome for date night. Priced at $88.

5. Sexy Midi Skirt

Skintight and super sexy, this midi-length skirt is a great weekend piece. Pair it with a tank, jean jacket, and flatforms for the perfect casual look. And if you’re going out, try a long sleeve crop top and a pair of coordinating heels. Just be prepared to show a lot of leg with the wide side vent. Priced at $129.95.

*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 Trendy Pieces Featuring Striking Stripes: Friday Finds appeared first on EcoSalon.

Today, we celebrate the 4th of July and the USA by highlighting some of the great design that is also made here on our home turf.

This week is all about celebrating the United States of America (and BBQs, of course), and we do that by highlighting some of the great design that is done here on our home turf. Manufacturing in the U.S. creates jobs and cuts carbon emissions from shipping, so be a patriot and support your local designers. Here are a few of our stars and stripes-themed favorites.

Amour Vert Paquerette Navy/White Stripes Tube Top
We never thought we’d wear tube tops again, but suddenly they feel kind of right, especially on a hot summer day, paired with a high-waisted skirt. This striped one, by Amour Vert is made in the USA from soft bamboo.
$34, Amour Vert

Amour Vert Audrey White Buttoned Skirt
This sailor-inspired mini skirt goes perfectly with a striped tube top (see above). The fun button-detailing in the front give it that slight nautical feel, while the side pockets and clean silhouette keep it classy. Made in the USA, from organic cotton.
$99, Amour Vert

Hovey Lee Stella Stars Necklace
If there are stripes, there must be stars. This dramatic statement necklace features large metal star charms hanging from a large brass chain, all made with reclaimed metal. The charms are hollow to make it easy to wear. You can make it work double-duty by wrapping it around your wrist as a bracelet. Hovey Lee jewelry is designed and made in Los Angeles, always from natural, reclaimed and fair trade materials.
$158, Hovey Lee

PACT Bikini Handpainted Stars Bikini
OK, so these star-spangled organic undies are not actually made in the USA, but in a fair trade factory in Turkey. PACT’s new stars and stripes-themed collection was, however, inspired by a hunky Texas farmer named Mason Arnold, with proceeds benefiting the Sustainable Food Center, which provides families in low-income communities with access to healthy local food. That just seems kind of patriotic to us.
$20, PACT

American Apparel Unisex Swim Trunk
American Apparel has been the mainstream poster child of bringing local manufacturing to downtown LA, which we think is pretty cool. We just wish they would commit to organic fabrics too. These mid-length unisex swim shorts have vented legs, a drawstring waist and come in a variety of different colors.
$34, American Apparel

Giant Dwarf Astral Crown
Celebrate independence day by channeling lady liberty with this headpiece made from German glass glitter (which is pure silver and real glass shards). There’s no way you can avoid having fun wearing this. Astral Crowns are an original Giant Dwarf design – each piece is carefully crafted and assembled by hand, with lots of love and sparkles.
$48, Olivine

Edith A. Miller Cotton Boatneck Striped 3/4 Tee
This classic boatneck tee is as timeless as it is all-American – a perfect summer wardrobe staple. The versatile knits by Edith A. Miller are all made in a 100-year-old mill in Reading, Pennsylvania, which originally specialized in making men’s undershirts. In late 2010, former investment banker Nancy Gibson and designer Jennifer Murray convinced the mill to start making women’s shirts, which have ever since been a favorite of stylish women everywhere.
$70, Bird

The post Made in the USA: Stars & Stripes appeared first on EcoSalon.

Classic and timeless, nautical stripes signal the arrival of warm summer days.

It seems like every year, when summer rolls around, stripes in all shapes and forms reappear. Maybe this is because of the summery nautical vibe they inspire or simply because they are timeless and never go out of style (just ask Jean Paul Gaultier). Nautical stripes also made their way back onto the runway for spring and summer, especially in classic red, white, blue and gray. Avoid the “ship ahoy” look by pairing your stripes with tougher garments like a biker jacket or be unexpected and dress them up with bright colors, floral patterns or animal prints.

TOMS Navy Stripe Nautical Women’s Biminis
These Nautical Biminis are designed for serious maritime adventures, at sea or perhaps your favorite nautically-inspired pool bar in the city. For every pair you buy, TOMS donates a pair of shoes to a child in need.
$69, TOMS

Lemlem Gama Woven Tee
Supermodel and former WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Liya Kebede started Lemlem as a way to preserve the ancient craft of traditional weavers in her native Ethiopia and provide jobs that could inspire economic independence. This handwoven top features bold sailor stripes, available in four different colorways. It looks great with white jeans, even if you’re not a supermodel.
$200, Lemlem

Black Stripe Henley Tank by Edith A. Miller
This simple striped tank by Edith A. Miller features button detailing in the front that makes it a highly versatile piece. Button it up and pair with a skirt for a sweet retro look or unbutton it all the way, pile on some necklaces and a leather jacket for a tougher vibe. Edith A. Miller works toward preserving the American knitwear industry by manufacturing in a sixth-generation knit factory in Pennsylvania.
$68, Juno & Jove

United By Blue Braided Sailing Bracelet
This black and white knotted bracelet sports some great sailing hardware and is an easy way to add a bit of nautical vibe to an outfit without being over the top. Designer Jill Kauffman is a medical student by day and draws inspiration from her favorite leisure activities: sailing, skiing, and kayaking. Many are even handcrafted onboard her 1967 Albacore. For every product sold, United By Blue removes one pound of trash from our worlds oceans and waterways.
$35, United By Blue

Organic by John Patrick Mini Dress
Practical, comfortable and highly wearable, this striped navy and white mini dress by Organic by John Patrick has all the ingredients for becoming a go-to summer wardrobe staple. The cotton sweater knit fabric makes it feel like you’re wearing your favorite sweater, and the vegetable tanned leather elbow patches add some unexpected attitude. It’s also made in the USA.
$345, Beklina

The post On Trend: Nautical Stripes appeared first on EcoSalon.

Breton stripes may have been the French Navy’s standard uniform back in the 19th century, but today they are a wardrobe staple – especially for spring! A fresh and fun pattern that evokes a sense of lightness and casual confidence, stripes are on our must have list.

Totally inspired by the fabulous fashion blogger, The Glamourai, stripes are coming back avec force! The striped mini dress is the perfect poolside throw-on layer, or simple outfit for a daytime rendezvous. Samantha Pleet makes a long sleeve version that is perfect for transitioning seasons, while Howies offers a summertime signature dress.

Just as the navy’s uniform allowed an overboard sailor to be spotted more easily, stripes are sure to attract a second glance wherever you go!

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