Stylish camping essentials to pack for your camping trip this summer.

Summer is essentially here, and for outdoorsy types that means one thing — camping. We’re dreaming of hitting the road in a stylish Cricket Trailer or eco-chic VW Microbus. But a nice little tent will do as well, as long as it’s pitched in a gorgeous spot with a view. One of the keys to having a grand time out in the wild is packing wisely. Here’s what we’re bringing on the road (less traveled) this summer.

1. SoCo Camping Hammock
Although it’s large enough to comfortably hold two people  (up to 450 lbs) the SoCo Hammock packs down to the size of a softball. The high strength, triple stitched, breathable, mildew-resistant parachute nylon guarantees durability, and the optional SoCo straps allow it to be hung between two trees up to 32-feet apart. SoCo also works toward empowering the poor through nonprofit partnerships and a commitment to fair wages.
$69.95, SoCo Hammocks

2. Go! Towel
Disposable wipes are handy, but most of them are not very good for the environment. Go Towels, however, are made from bamboo and are completely biodegradable. Each one weighs only a third of a gram, making them ideal to bring when you’re backcountry camping. In a pinch, they can also be used as coffee filters.
$14.95 for a pack of 10, Go! Towel

3. To-Go Ware RePEaT Utensil Set
Disposable dinnerware is just not stylish, even if you are camping. Instead, pack this bamboo utensil set, which contains a fork, knife, spoon and chopsticks and comes in a holder make from recycled PET (plastic bottles). The bamboo is heat and stain resistant, durable, easy to wash and light to carry — perfect for camping.
$12.95, To-Go Ware

4. BioLite CampStove
This portable stove cooks your meals with nothing but the twigs you collect on your journey, eliminating the need for heavy, expensive, polluting petroleum gas. It uses thermoelectric technology to convert heat to electricity that powers a fan to make the fire ultra-efficient. BioLite also uses the same technology to bring clean, safe energy to families across the developing world. The extra electricity that is generated can be used to charge small electronics like mobile phones and LED lights. It’s quick and easy to use.
$129.95, BioLite

5. Mountainsmith Juniper 50 Backpack
This carry-all pack by Mountainsmith was designed especially for women and is large enough to fit all your essentials (and some non-essentials too). Made with 450d recycled PET (each bag contains about 21 16-ounce plastic bottles) it also features a detachable daypack for shorter excursions and summit wanderings. It’s better looking than most backpacking packs and comfortable and easy to carry.
$194.99, Next Adventure

6. Everly Pomegranate Maqui Berry Drink Mix
Designed to support truly healthy hydration for active, adventurous types, Everly was recently successfully funded through Kickstarter and is starting to produce their first three flavors. Made from all natural ingredients, the low-cost, low-waste powder packets can be cleverly carried on a carabiner.
Available soon, Everly

7. Badger Anti-Bug Balm
A natural mosquito repellent is a must when you’re camping. Badger’s tried-and-true formula consists of 100 percent organic ingredients like citronella, cedar, and lemongrass essential oils, which have been used for centuries to repel insects naturally. It contains no DEET, petrolatum or other chemicals and comes in a handy tin. Best of all, it smells super nice.
$9.99, Badger

8. Capsul Case
Store cash, credit cards, business cards (you never know when you may need them, right?) in a sturdy wallet by Capsul case. Made in Canada from of highly recyclable non-toxic polypropylene, it will keep all those valuables safe, dry and in one place.
$12, Capsul

9. Falcon Enamelware TumblersThis set of sturdy tumblers are as pretty as they are practical — use them for everything from coffee to white wine. Light to carry and easy to wash, they’re perfect for camping. Buying them in different colors makes it easier for your group to keep track of which mug belongs to you. Unlike plastic cups, they make a nice clinking sound when you do a cheers.
£4.99 each, Falcon Enamelware

The post 9 Sustainable and Stylish Camping Essentials appeared first on EcoSalon.

Ten stylish handbags that you can easily make at home.

A girl can never have too many handbags, right? A bag habit can easily become expensive, but not if you learn how to make, or remake, them yourself. Here are ten of our favorite DIY bag projects, some which can be done in as little as ten minutes.

1.Minimalist Tote Bag
A talented seamstress with a mission, Renske Solkesz decided to create her own wardrobe after finding herself frustrated with high fashion prices. She created this self-closing utilitarian DIY tote bag for Design*Sponge. It’s made from inexpensive materials, yet looks totally luxe. Visit Renske’s blog, The Dress I Made, for more of her creations.

image: Design*Sponge

2. Trompe L’oeil Tote Bags and Pouch
These kinds of Trompe L’oil bags, based on the design of famous it-bags, were all the rage last year. We still fancy them and thanks to Martha Stewart, who created this DIY clip art ready to be printed onto fabric transfers, it’s now easier than ever to turn a plain tote into a witty style statement.

image: Martha Stewart

3. Cotton + Leather Clutch Purse
We love the simple yet beautiful contrast between the patterned cotton fabric and the leather used in this simple tote by A Beautiful Mess. You can make one yourself, using scraps of your favorite fabric, with little more than solid lining cotton, a zipper, scissors, a sewing machine, and some good-old patience.

image: A Beautiful Mess

4. Neon Dot Tote Bag
Sometimes easy does it. As long as you have a plain old canvas tote at home, this neon dot tote bag by Say Yes to Hoboken can truly be made in ten minutes or less. All you need is fabric paint and a brush.

image: Say Yes to Hoboken

5. Seat Belt Purse
We’ve seen seat belt bags around for quite some time, and always been amazed at how polished they manage to look. We never thought of making one, until we came across this thorough DIY tutorial by Twofoos. It does require some skill, and possibly an industrial sewing machine, but the compliments you’ll get will make it all worthwhile. The seat belts can be from an old car, purchased from a local auto upholstery supply store, or found online (ten yards of it will make a bag about 8″x10″ with a 60″ strap).

image: Twofoos

6. Scalloped Tote Bag
Perfect for spring and summer, this scalloped tote bag by Frolic! is both sweet and unique. Click here for a PDF download of a free packet of instructions and pattern pieces to make the scalloped bag. All you need to buy is a yard of linen. The lovely illustrations featured on the pattern were done by watercolor artist Heather Smith Jones.

image: Frolic!

7. Mesh Beach Bag
Before you know it, it will be beach time once again. A mesh bag is not only cute, but will prevent some amount of sand from entering your home as well. This good looking beach bag by Between the Lines is made from, believe it or not, old window screen material. The same kind of screen used to keep out mosquitoes.

image: Between the Lines

8. Weekender Bag
Are you a serious DIYer who like to take a lot of weekend trips? If so, this project is definitely for you — a weekender bag made from cotton waxcloth and faux leather. This 30-step DIY tutorial by The Weekend Designer is thorough and easy to follow, and even includes patterns for you to use. Now all you have to figure out is where you are going to take it next weekend.

image: The Weekend Designer

9. Boxy Bag
Elegant, glamorous, boxy bags are definitely making a big comeback. Don’t spend your hard-earned money on a designer version, though, when you can make this faux croc carryall by P.S. I Made This from an old lunchbox. The gold accents make all the difference. We love the idea of using your favorite brooch to glam up a bag, any bag, really.

image: P.S. I Made This

10. Feed Sack Messenger Bag
Vintage feed sacks don’t sound like much fun, but it turns out they make for great bag-crafting material. Gather up a leather belt and some denim lining and follow this inspired tutorial by 645 Workshop by the Crafty CPA. If you don’t have any feed bags on hand, you can use any kind of material that looks like it’s aching to be turned into a messenger bag.

image: Crafty CPA

The post DIY: 10 Stylish Handbags You Can Make at Home appeared first on EcoSalon.

Stylish cycling gear that will keep you feeling safe and looking chic all summer long.

We’re all about alternative transportation here at EcoSalon, and summer is the perfect time to get out that bike and start pedaling around the streets. To help you do that in style, we’ve gathered some cycling gear that will keep you safe while still looking tres chic.

Nessa Dress by Edith A. Miller
There’s no reason you shouldn’t wear a dress just because you’re biking. Just make sure to choose a loose-fitting short one, so it’s comfortable and doesn’t run the risk of getting stuck in the gears. This classic striped dress by Edith A. Miller is ethically made in the USA, and we think it goes great with a bicycle.
$198, Juno & Jove

The Madera Helmet by Coyle
Based on a contemporary, skate-inspired helmet design, the Madera provides a great balance of coverage and visibility. Coyle helmets are made using patented technology that takes advantage of  the inherent structural properties that allow wood to absorb significant energy in the event of a significant impact, adding protective redundancy to the EPS foam or low density cork system that lies beneath. The all-natural materials resist the UV degradation that synthetic helmet materials are vulnerable to, which means you won’t need to replace a weather-worn and sunburned helmet every few years.
$375, Coyle

Blink Steady Rear Light
A good light is a must, especially when long summer days on the road turn into spontaneous picnics under the stars. Made from solid aluminum, the Blink Steady bike light turns on automatically and shuts off when you’re not riding. And you don’t have to remove it when you lock up because it’s secured by your seatpost.
$95, Blink Steady

Bike Strap-Downs by Walnut Studiolo
Let’s face it, we often end up carrying more stuff than we thought. When you’re on a bike, this can be a problem, unless you carry the right accessories with you. This set of bike strap-downs is a key tool for MacGyvering stuff onto your bike. Two buckling leather straps with eyelets running the length of it helps you strap down items of varying sizes to your bike rack. All of Studiolo’s beautiful bike accessories are made, by a couple, in their workshop in Portland, Oregon.
$38, Walnut Studiolo

Green Guru Cruiser Cooler Recycled Bike Tube Handlebar Bag
Think of the Cruiser Handlebar Bag as the missing glove compartment for your cruiser or commuter bike. It has room for all those essentials, like a just-in-case rainjacket, sunglasses and sunscreen for a hot spin to the beach, or cold beverages for a warm evening cruise. You can also take it off the bike and use it as a cooler. Made in the US from recycled or upcycled bike tubes and upcycled reflective mylar from compostable cup packaging
$44.95, Green Guru

Portland Design Works Sodapop Fenders
Made from 97% post-consumer recycled beverage bottles, these bike fenders will keep you clean and dry in any weather. They are designed to pop off your bike easily, should you want to remove them when the sun comes out. Thanks to clever hardware they fit most city and mountain bikes that have a hole in the fork crown.
$25, Portland Design Works

Recycled Innertube Stringer Cuff
The lightweight stringer cuff by Beatrice Holiday is made from soft recycled bike inner tubes, lightly sprinkled with metallic gold spray paint. Designer Holiday wants you to feel good knowing that this bracelet was made from heap of inner tubes that lay discarded outside a bike shop in Venice, CA. Now they can ride again, only on your arm instead.
$28, Etsy/Beatrice Holiday

Eastlake Recycled Tablet Sleeve
If you bring your reading tablet along for the ride, make sure it’s protected, in true biker style. This stylish, protective sleeve is constructed from recycled bicycle inner tubes, which gives it a durable, highly water-resistant exterior. It’s sized to be compatible with the iPad, but will fit other roughly 10” tablets as well.
$34, Alchemy Goods

AB Designs Leaf Earrings
You would never know at first glance, but these delicate leaf earrings are actually made from upcycled bike tubes. They’re carved by hand in Portland (by EcoSalon’s very own resident foodie Anna Brones) and look really great worn under a bike helmet!
$20, Etsy/AB Designs

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