Need a little inspiration of where to find your next staple shades? These sustainable sunglasses will cater to anyone’s style needs.

We’ve all been there with cheap sunglasses. It seems like a good idea at the time (even if they do sit a little wonky on your face), but it’s not long until they start to fall apart and you find yourself throwing away yet another pair.

You’re not the only one. While most of us don’t have hundreds of dollars to throw down on a pair of the big name designer sunglasses, there is another option, and it comes with less waste, less cost, but no less designer appeal.

6 Sustainable Sunglasses Designers You Need To Know

1. Warby Parker

It’s easy to forget that poor sight is not so easily fixed for everyone. Huge props to Warby Parker for using bio-acetate (made from cellulose), but we’re even more impressed by its commitment to donate a pair of glasses for each and every one sold through partnering with VisionSpring. The array of styles within the sunglasses collection is also pretty staggering. Find classic shades like Lowry the to more on-trend frames like the retro rose gold Fleta.

2. Carla Colour

Sometimes, sunglasses need to be a statement, and it turns out you can still make one sustainably. Taking inspiration from the arts, the shapes you’ll find here are soft and dreamy, with plenty of colors to choose from whether pastels are your thing, or you want to go bold with brights. Even with all the eccentric NYC flare these sunnies have to offer, the eco credentials are still solid as the bio-acetate is made from wood pulp and cotton (farmed sustainably, of course).

3. Karmoie

With Scandinavian style behind the design, all of Karmoie’s shades are simple, elegant and modern. Much like Warby Parker, the company employs a buy-one-give-one practice, donating a pair of eyejusters for every pair sold through four projects located across Africa and Asia. Karmoie also boasts the Positive Luxury Butterfly Mark which ensures they use ethical and sustainable practices across the board, such as fair pay and energy conservation.

4. Capital Eyewear

For those who love classic shapes, quality design, and prefer their fashion made in the USA, head to Capital Eyewear for your next pair of sunnies. Created in San Francisco with bio-acetate and sustainably sourced hardwood, every pair also has all measurement details available online to help you find the right pair for your face shape. And it’s not just about manufacturing locally; ten percent of all sales are put into the Capital Fund, a piggy bank set up for local entrepreneurs to make their own business ideas a reality and put back into the community. You can even nominate someone on the website!

5. Dick Moby

Made in Italy (like all the great sunglasses are), Dick Moby shades are handcrafted with sustainability at the heart alongside fashion. Using a mix of recycled acetate to create its black frames, and bio-acetate for the rest, this is one designer who proves you don’t have to opt for bamboo to protect your peepers the eco-friendly way. It’s not just the shades themselves that tick the eco box; each cleaning cloth is made from seven recycled plastic bottles, and the chic leather cases are no less than recycled material, too.

6. Wires 

If you love minimalist design, prepare to swoon over Wires’ ultra-contemporary look and concept. The lens holders are made using a 3D printer (oh yes, this is the future), which means there’s zero waste as only the necessary materials are used. The designs are then completed by talented craftsmen in Zimbabwe use traditional skills to turn a single piece of enamel-coated copper or brass wire into a final pair of sunglasses. The beauty of the wire is that they can easily be adjusted to your face shape. Plus, if Lily Cole is on board, so are we.

Related on EcoSalon

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5 Summer Hat and Sunglasses Combos for Sunny Days: Friday Finds

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The summer sun is a wonderful thing, but it can only be truly enjoyed with the right protection. And thank goodness some of that protection is incredibly fashionable. We’ve rounded up 5 summer hat and sunglasses combinations that will keep the sun’s rays at bay.

1. Sun hat and oversized glasses

Let’s start out with a classic hat and sunglasses combination. Headed to the beach, lake, or pool? You’re going to want a pair of sunglasses that are functional and cover all of your eyes. Also, it doesn’t hurt that these glasses are retro chic. Priced at $38. The perfect sun hat has a wide brim and the flexibility to be able to easily fit into a beach bag. This hat has both those qualities. Priced at $68.

2. Floppy hat and funky sunglasses

If you’re headed out for a night with the ladies, we suggest picking a hat and sunglasses combination like the one above. We love this floppy hat’s brim and slouchy silhouette. Priced at $58. And while the hat has an incredibly simple design, that style makes it perfect for pairing it with flashy accessories. An example: this pair of sunglasses. We love this pair’s pink, circle frames, and their moon and star embellishments. Priced at $20.

3. Butterfly glasses and rancher hat

If you like a little flash, you’ll love this pair. These oversized frames are butterfly-inspired and feature a lovely ivory and lavender color combination. Priced at $20. Pair these glasses with this faux suede hat. It comes in a rancher style and has a wide brim. Priced at $58. We recommend wearing this combination while on a spur of the moment road trip.

4. Retro sunglasses and hat

Embrace your inner flower child and wear this super fun hat and sunglasses combination. This pair of sunglasses features a retro style and has thick, plastic frames and an overall vintage-inspired aesthetic. Priced at $20. Pair with this incredibly original summer of love styled hat that’s made from natural fibers. Priced at $58.

5. Classic, delicate sunglasses and fedora

If you’re going for fancy cocktails on the beach, we suggest wearing this classy sunglasses and hat combo. This pink pair of glasses has thin frames which gives them a very delicate look. Priced at $58. And we love this straw fedora because of its fun, starfish detail. And it doesn’t hurt that this hat’s starfish detail perfectly matches the sunglasses’ pink frames. Priced at $145.

*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.

Related on EcoSalon

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Retro-Fit: No Small Feat

Image of summer hat and sunglasses via Shutterstock

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You can’t dress up all summer long. After all, summer is the unofficial lounge season. So, this week, we’ve rounded up some casual summer wear you can rock at a picnic, boat, or amusement park.

1. Twiggy Round Sunglass

These sunnies come from Free People and are a really great buy at $18. They come in a plethora of colors, but I’m a fan of the light blue. Sunglasses should always be a part of your summer casual wear (or summer formal wear for that matter) because your eyes deserve protection. Also: No one ever looked good while squinting on a summer day.

2. Vintage T-Shirt

I love a good vintage t-shirt from the 1970s. And this shirt is pretty darn perfect. It’s got a slogan, it’s worn — it’s pretty much perfect. While the price is a little high ($40), it sure will look cute tucked into, or tied back above, a pair of comfy, high-waisted shorts. From the Etsy shop highwayrobbery.

3. Mimi Chica Shorts

These shorts, which come from ThredUp, look comfy, are brightly colored, and feature a flexible waistband. That means you can run along the beach, sit down in the park, or play a game of kickball without having to change. Also: If something terrible happens (like if you spill a drink on yourself), they’re only $5.49.

4. Steve Madden Wristlet

When you’re going from summer activity to summer activity, you’re going to want to make certain that your summer essentials (lipstick, sunblock, cash, and driver’s license) are safely stowed away. And you may as well store them in a cute package. Enter this wristlet. Priced at $24.99 from ThredUp.

5. Candela Sandals

I typically hate sandals, but I really dig this pair. Everything about them is cute: the color, pattern, and the fact that they are backless. Also: they are priced at $29.99. Rarely does something so cute come at such a low price. Listed on ThredUp.

Connect with Abbie on Twitter and Instagram.

Related on EcoSalon

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Image of casual summer wear via Shutterstock

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This week’s look is inspired by tumblr: As 2013 wraps up, they’ve tallied the top tags of the year, and for fashion, #grunge was a big hit. Here’s a favorite look packed with grunge texture for a bit of 90s nostalgia. 

1. Teal Wash Boxy Tee by Raquel Allegra

Just enough fade and just enough color, this boxy tee by Raquel Allegra is great for a cozy, grunge day. Raquel Allegra, now in her thirteenth season, is sold in stores around the world, but all her clothing is made in the USA. This garment is dyed with natural indigo, and free of chemical dyes.

Heist, $210 

2. High Rise Hewson Maria Leggings by J Brand

Did you know J Brand is made in the USA? And these leggings are no exception. Tight fitting and high waisted, they are a great grab for any look.

Avenue 32, $270

3. Horse and Calf Leather Hightops by James Kearns

Yes, please, these shoes are so cool! Each James Kearns shoe is handmade in London in small quantities and often made to order. We’d match these shoes with jeans and a loose fitting tee or even pair with a dress. Cool and comfortable, they are a perfect grounding to the grunge look.

James Kearns, please contact for price

4. Jasper Arrowhead Ring by Pamela Love

NYC-based jewelry artist Pamela Love has been committed to sustainable and local production since the inception of her line in 2006. Today all her pieces are produced in NYC’s Garment District, from design to final product. This arrowhead ring is set in sterling silver and each piece is naturally unique.

imogene + willie, $625

5. Larimar Pendant by Nallik

Simple yet bold, the raw feel of this Larimar pendant by Nallik can go with any outfit and mood. Handmade in Berlin, Nallik uses all raw precious and semi-precious stones, and the brand swears by their unique properties. The Larimar stone used in this piece is said to relax tempers, calm fears, and relieve stress.

A Boy Named Sue, $154

6. Leonard Tortoise by Illesteva

Handmade in Italy, these sunglasses will last you a lifetime. Illesteva has done collaborations with Lou Reed, House of Waris and Zac Posen, as well as been worn by some big-time celebs. A strong pair of sunglasses for a reasonable price, we love these Leonard Tortise frames.

Illesteva, $165

Want more On Trend? See Also:

Metallic Holiday Fashion Trend 2013: On Trend

Eco Fashion Brands Prove Beauty in Simplicity With Burgundy and Basics On Trend

 The Unbelievable Value of Upcycling Clothes 7 Ways: On Trend

On Trend: Dark and Tan – The Smartly Sexy Fall 2013 Color Trends

Images from the eco fashion brands, collage by Juliette Donatelli

Keep in touch with Juliette on twitter @spadesandsiLK

The post Grunge Texture with an Ethical Twist: On Trend appeared first on EcoSalon.

Boulder-based Zeal Optics offers the world’s first and only plant-based lens for superior clarity and minimal environmental impact.

We tend to think of sunglasses as a fashion accessory, something to be coordinated with outfits, but they’re actually quite important for maintaining healthy eyes. Long hours of unprotected exposure increases eye stress (and squinting), which can lead to headaches. A lifetime of unprotected exposure to the sun’s harsh rays can even contribute to cataracts and growths on the eye, including cancer.

In the past, my clumsiness has prevented me from investing in high-quality sunglasses. What’s the use if I’m just going to forget, sit on, or scratch them within the first 3 days of ownership? A recent chance to test drive some fancy shades from Colorado’s own Zeal Optics changed my mind, however.

Located in Boulder, this boutique eyewear company recently debuted the world’s first and only plant-based, bioplastic lens, called e-llume. Combined with their with Z-resin frames, made from a castor oil-based material, Zeal hopes to lead the way towards completely removing crude oil from sunglass production.

To see how well all that fancy technology compared to my $60 conventional sunglasses, Zeal sent over two of their most popular styles: the Kennedy and the Felicity. After a few weeks of swapping back and forth between them and my usual pair, here are my thoughts:

The Kennedy – This is one of Zeal Optics’ many unisex styles, and the pair I tested came in Reflection Blue/Dark Grey (see above). The fit was a little wide, but not so loose that I felt they were in danger of falling off. I found the lens size and shape to be a little smaller than what I was used to, and upon trying them on, my boyfriend agreed. He also noted that the bright blue of the frame was a little distracting when seen out of the corner of the eye, but I found it kind of fun to get that flash of occasional color! The e-llume bioplastic lenses of the Kennedy style were a dark grey color that I absolutely loved. They also featured Hyperion polarization, a feature that protects your eyes from UVA, B, and C while also blocking a negative light range called High Energy Visible (HEV) light. According to Zeal Optics, it’s HEV that’s been cited as a possible cause of cataracts and macular degeneration.

The Felicity – This is one of Zeal Optics’ many women’s styles, and the pair I tested came in Demi Tortoise/Copper (above); they came in a medium fit that was perfect for my head and face. I loved the tight, hidden action of the frame hinges, something that’s normally missing from my (gas-station!) sunglasses. The e-llume lenses of the Felicity style were a copper color, something I didn’t like as well as the dark grey lenses of the Kennedys. Still, they too offered Hyperion polarization, which rendered a crystal clear perception of the world and almost no color distortion.

A favorite feature of both pairs of Zeal Optics glasses was the hypoallergenic ProFlex Rubber placed on the nosepad and stem areas. My previous sunglasses were always sliding down my face when I exercised outdoors. I wore the Zeal Optics glasses while running, on a long road trip, and at a 4th of July concert, and the rubber pads kept them in place–not a single sweaty slip!

Zeal Optics are available from $79, and can be found in their Boulder retail store, online, and at authorized dealers around the world.

Images: Zeal Optics
Main Image Photo Credit: susy ♥

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With new collections of both eco-friendly shoes and sunglasses, as well as an increasing commitment to greening some of their practices, could Gucci emerge as the high-fashion leader in sustainability?

Even though it seems like a no-brainer, sustainability practices have not yet had a big breakthrough at the high-fashion houses of the world. However, with two recent product launches and an increasing commitment to eco-friendly practices, it seems like Gucci is starting to put some focus on sustainability.

On the heels of the Copenhagen Fashion Summit, Gucci came out with a new eco-friendly line of shoes. Named “Sustainable Soles” and designed by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini, the shoes are made from biodegradable plastic, not unlike the material used by Brazilian shoemaker Melissa, sourced from compost. The line includes two styles – the Marola Green ballerina flat for women featuring cutout details and a signature GG logo and comes in a variety of colors, while the California Green men’s sneaker comes in a low- and high-top version and features bio-rubber soles, vegetable-tanned calf skin, bio laces and recycled polyester.

After producing a small range of sustainably made eyewear in collaboration with Safilo last year, it seems that Gucci has renewed the commitment to environmentally friendly sunglasses with a new collection, made from liquid wood. It’s the first time this innovative biodegradable material has been used in sunglasses. Made from bio-based materials – wood fiber from sustainably managed forests, lignin from the paper manufacturing process and natural wax – liquid wood is a great alternative to the plastic that is so frequently used in eyewear. The cases were also designed for space and weight efficiency, which cuts carbon emissions from transport by 60%.

Two years ago, in June 2010, Gucci dipped their toes in the sustainability bucket by launching a completely new range of packaging, also created by Frida Giannini, that is 100% recyclable. The plastic laminated surfaces that are so commonly seen on high-fashion shopping bags were replaced with a more subtle beater-dyed paper de-bossed with Gucci’s famous GG logo, and the paper used to create the bags is sourced only from certified forests. On the recently launched Creative Sustainability Lab on PPR’s main website, Gucci states that they will continue to push for “the use of other biodegradable materials, such as corn, bamboo and cotton.”

Gucci is also gradually replacing printed materials with e-cards and e-catalogues, and new transportation policies have reduced the use of trucks by 30%. Also, each new Gucci mannequin will be made in Italy, from 100% recyclable polystyrene that is 100% recyclable and finished with water based paints. Patrizio di Marco, President and CEO of Gucci, said “The world’s leading brands are rightly judged today, not just on the quality of their products and services, but also on the way they act in the community and towards the environment.”

Sure, there’s a lot more that Gucci could, and should do when it comes to sustainability, but it all has to start somewhere. We can only hope that these efforts are the start of something bigger.

The post Gucci’s Fashionable Commitment to Sustainability appeared first on EcoSalon.

Eight stylish (and sustainably designed) summer sunglasses that are anything but shady.

When summer rolls around, everyone always talks about the importance of wearing sunscreen. Protecting your eyes from the sun with a good pair of sunglasses is just as important. Make sure that the lenses have adequate protection against all those dangerous rays (some of those cheaper ones do not). Here are eight sustainable summer shades that will suit any style preference and are anything but shady.

1. Eco by Summer Rayne Oakes 301
These sunglasses, from Summer Rayne Oakes’ “eco” capsule collection for MODO, have a slight cat-eye shape, which is totally on trend for summer. They’re made from recycled plastic and come in four different color variations.
$175, MODO

2. Stella McCartney 50s Style Vintage Frame Sunglasses
For S/S 2012, Stella McCartney launched a new eco-friendly collection of sunglasses. Extensive research was conducted to increase the use of raw materials stemming from natural origins. These 50s Style Vintage Frame sunglasses are sturdy yet delicate and are built with rounded edges for a comfortable fit. The slight cat-eye shape is accented by complimentary colors that highlight the top of the frame and give this classic style a cool, modern update that is just right for summer.
$225, Stella McCartney

3. Stella McCartney Round Frame Gradient Sunglasses
Also from Stella McCartney’s new eco-friendly collection these glasses have a round oversized shape with a steel frame and an ultra-feminine profile with thin temples featuring a step design. This is a good choice for those of you who prefer a more delicate shape, something that hasn’t always been easy to find in the world of sustainable sunglasses.
$250, Stella McCartney

4. Panda Sunglasses Monroe Black
This style from Panda Sunglasses features an iconic design, but, instead of plastic, they are handcrafted from sustainably harvested bamboo with a black stain. A bonus for those of you who spend a lot of time near water is that these bad boys also float. For each pair you purchase, Panda provides an eye exam and pair of prescription glasses to someone in need.
$120, Panda Sunglasses

5. Waiting for the Sun 9.6g Natural
French sunglass maker Waiting for the Sun, or W/SÜN, describes their aesthetic as “a special mix of vintage and actual tendencies, Californian laid back and French sophistication.” The round shape of these cute shades may not be for everyone, but if you can pull it off this is the trendiest style this summer. The frames are handmade from Teawood and the lenses are Carl Zeiss with good (category 3) UV protection.
Approx. $165, Waiting for the Sun

6. Eco-Optics 112
There are a few models of sunglasses that just never go out of style, and therefore make great investment pieces since you can use them year after year. These classic stainless steel pilots from Eco-Optics are made from 95% recycled content and feature polarized lenses.
$ 160, MODO

7. ICU Eyewear Classic Bright Temple
For those of you looking for shades with a built in fun-factor, this pair from ICU’s Sun Eco collection have a classic shape and bright mint green color accents by the temples. Very reasonably priced and made from reclaimed plastic these are a great choice for those of us concerned with both the environment and our own budgets.
$21.95, ICU Eyewear

8. Shwood Florence Select in Santos Mahogany
The sharp, yet refined Florence Select is made from luxurious Santos Mahogany with Maple inlays. The rounded shape is classic and flattering to most face shapes. Handcrafted in Schwood’s Portland, Oregon woodshop, from sustainable wood sourced from authorized and supervised plantations in different African countries.
$250, Shwood

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It took me years to realize that not only were sunglasses necessary to do the basic job of keeping the sun out of my eyes, they were also meant to protect the fine skin around my eyes.

Now, with sun damage lines grooved deep into the corners of my eyes, I wish I’d always worn sunglasses while out in the sun and thrown all care away for sunglass lines. According to All About Vision, an eye care journalism site, the UV Index developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) has made many Americans more aware of the risks of sunburn and skin cancer from the ultraviolet radiation, but when it comes to eye protection are we just not listening?

FYI, extended exposure to the sun’s UV rays has been linked to eye damage, including cataracts, macular degeneration, pingueculae, pterygia and photokeratitis that can cause temporary vision loss.

Thanks to a slough of really hip sunglasses out there, you can protect your eyes while still looking hip and yes, even sustainably so.

Here are four lines I love and seven more from Eco-Chick Starre Vartan on MNN:

iwood

Made in the U.S. from FSC certified, reclaimed exotic woods, these glasses are feather light and offer 100 percent UVA/UVB protection.

icu

Made from recycled plastic and metal (and bamboo), this sunglass line (and this particular style) is a favorite with Oprah.

Moonwoods

Made conscientiously without harsh chemicals out of mill ends that would otherwise be discarded from a small (but growing) company based in Portland, Oregon.

eco

Utilizing recycled plastic and metal, eco plants a tree for each frame sold. A sunglass line doing double duty makes us smile.

Image: orangeacid

The post Screw the Tan Lines, Time for Sunglasses appeared first on EcoSalon.

My partner in Sixties vintage couture crime, artist Joan Davis, called me the other day and said I had to check out Torso Vintages, an ultra cool used couture outlet in San Francisco’s Union Square.

In town just a few days to pedal her flower-powered paintings, Joan had immediately sensed where to dig up archaeological relics of Pucci and Gucci – the way my pug can sniff a German Shepherd or hamburger a mile away.

I jotted down the name to this source for  shifts and clutches. Sure, there are ample consignment shops around in  chic towns like ours, but few sell what connoisseurs consider three dimensional art, i.e. something Jacky O. or Lily Pulitzer would have worn to lunch at Harry’s Bar with the girls. You have to weed through lots of synthetic yardage and depleted, tired boas to find the real gems.

As it turns out, the source she told me about is among the vendors strutting their fabulous stuff on the hottest new online boutique for the real McCoys of vintage fashion style.

Yes, hopeless fashion romantics such as Joan and I are the types 1st Dibs is banking on to do for Geoffrey Beene A-line cloaks and YSL Jockey Hats (above)  what the Web site did for haute  furnishings: Gather the best offerings from dealers around the world to sell for a range of prices.

That range at 1st Dibs cuts a wide swath:

From the doable after a glass of wine with lunch: Whimsical Pierre Cardin sunglasses from the 1960s. $250.

To the the pretty pricey: 1960s Pucci shift, $400, and Ungaro dress, $650.

To the investment statement: M. Haskell 1940’s Multicolored Fringed Bib Necklace USA, 1940’s. $3,250.

To a taste of  Samantha Jones at Versailles: Hermes Birkin of Matte Black Porosus Crocodile. $65,000.

John Hadeed, owner of Torso Vintages, finds 1st Dibs is helping to put him and others in his stylish field on the map in a big way.

“We’ve had calls and emails from all over the country and the world,” the collector told SF Gate.  “We’re dealing with people who really love clothes.”

Michael Bruno, the clever founder of 1st Dibs, hired vintage couture expert Clair Watson (above) to supervise the fashion site and locate the first dealers. They include seasoned second-hand harvesters with a penchant for Hermes, such as Createurs de Luxe, and the owner of the Way We Wore in Los Angeles, a dealer named Doris Watson who is offering her most precious and rare works of art to the website.

The good news is vintage is on a roll because of the recession and our renewed appreciation for classics over buying new junk made abroad.

Check out the site and see if there is anything you can afford (that’s bigger than a size 2 or 4) to add to your wardrobe. All you do is click on the era that suits you (from Deco to Contemporary).

What’s the best deal you can score on the site? Perhaps an undesirable Chado Ralph Rucci evening bag for $175. This is not the place to pluck the deal of the century.

Main Image: 1st Dibs

Image two: Vintage Shopping Guide

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