The wait is over, for the expert in predicting color trends, Pantone, has released its much-anticipated color of the year, and it’s Ultra Violet, a shade leaning more toward the true purple or blue-violet spectrum, rather than a red-leaning merlot.

Said to represent a mystical ideology indicative of the cosmos, including “the intrigue of what lies ahead,” Pantone believes this particular purple is akin to the limitlessness of the night sky and “symbolic of what is possible and continues to inspire the desire to pursue a world beyond our own.”

Furthermore, Pantone is taking the opportunity to incorporate a sense of mindfulness with the vivid color choice, and we aren’t complaining. “Historically, there has been a mystical or spiritual quality attached to Ultra Violet. The color is often associated with mindfulness practices, which offer a higher ground to those seeking refuge from today’s over-stimulated world. The use of purple-toned lighting in meditation spaces and other gathering places energizes the communities that gather there and inspire connection.” With the kind of headspace this color is thought to evoke, we gladly say bring on the Ultra Violet!

1. Purple Peony Kimono

With this maxi kimono you can wrap yourself in this lovely peony pattern while also repping Pantone’s color of the year. Beautifully incorporated into this two-tone wrap, the purple pops against the black and white backgrounds. Perfect for pairing with jeans and sweaters in the winter, you can wear this piece now and again in the spring and summer. Truly a year-round item, with a little layering and imagination, this can become a 2018 wardrobe staple. Priced at $118.

2. Vintage Plum Pants

These early 1980s vintage leather pants were ahead of their time. Colored in the Ultra Violet hue of today, these evergreen bottoms feature classic jeans styling with a zip fly and slim legs. The leather is described as soft and these are said to be in excellent vintage condition, a pair even some vegans will feel comfortable slipping on. Great with a simple chunky knit sweater or a killer graphic tee, this is another item you can wear year-round with the proper styling. Priced at $98.

3. Vision in Violet Cardigan

Top rated by buyers, this slouchy cardigan can be dressed up or down and features an open front design with voluminous statement sleeves. The Wild Purple is a fan favorite and popular among petite women looking for a sweater that isn’t too long. Great with a basic tank, but still offering room for layering, this is a cardigan you can wear due to cold weather, or because of a frigid interior climate, like the always freezing office. Cute with jeans, dresses, trousers, and more, this cardigan is a keeper. Priced at $128.

4. Purple Moon Leggings

Get ready for your workout, yoga sesh, or just a stroll around town in these purple moon leggings from RUMI X. Made for movement by a yoga-instructor-turned-designer, you’ll fall head over heels for these flexible pants in Pantone’s Ultra Violet. Pictured paired with the Voice Leg Warmer in black, which we really adore, by the way, these leggings feature hip ruching, a flattering wide waistband, and a stirrup that hooks under each foot for a comfy and secure fit. Priced at $79.

5. Dusty Druzy Dress

Our list just wouldn’t be complete without a dress inspired by the new color of the year. And after stumbling upon this gorgeous jersey number with a kangaroo pocket (Yasss, pockets!) and sexy leg slit, we knew it was the one. Probably best suited for warmer winter climates and spring and summer wearing, this can still be a popular dress in your wardrobe. The form-fitting material allows for layering with outerwear, while the scoop-neck tank style is great for dressing up or down. Wear it with ankle booties and a bomber jacket, or go casual with a pair of white sneakers. Priced at $40.

*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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It’s that time of year again–you know, when it’s better to give than to receive–and there’s no greater way to get the ball rolling this holiday season than by observing

Started by the National Recycling Coalition back in 1997, the day was created with the intention to raise awareness about recycling and the purchase of recycled goods. Today, millions of Americans participate, some by attending or hosting one of the more than 2,400 events registered on the America Recycles Day website.

Included among the good-hearted samaritans and organizations is the initiative developed by Cotton Incorporated, called the Blue Jeans Go Green program. The program collects denim from across the nation, upcycling it into Cotton Incorporated’s patented and trademarked UltraTouch Denim Insulation. From there, the environmentally safe, non-itch padding is made available to the public for purchase, but is also donated to Habitat for Humanity affiliates (more than 3 nationwide, to date) and can be requested for use in building civic structures by way of a grant program.

Andrea Samber, co-director of Consumer Marketing in the Strategic Alliances department at Cotton Incorporated, describes the Blue Jeans Go Green program as being “rooted in the idea of giving recycled denim ‘new life,’” with the intention of helping the environment “by reducing the volume of textiles going to landfills.” Samber also adds that what “started as collection events with colleges and universities, has grown to include direct mail and retail partners.”

And helping to alleviate landfill waste, it does. The average person in the United States throws away 70 pounds of clothing each year. Couple that stat with more than 518 million pairs of men’s and women’s jeans being sold in the U.S in 2015, and you can bet your bottoms that there will be at least a pair or two in that pile of discarded clothing. However, thanks to the Blue Jeans Go Green program, Samber points out, “over 1.7 million pieces of denim” have been recycled. “That equates to 2.7 million square feet of recycled denim insulation,” she asserts, thereby “keeping 750 tons of denim out of landfills.”

Participate today, or any day of the year. The Blue Jeans Go Green program has made it easier than ever for any and everyone to donate their old denim for a good cause. Samber says “by partnering with some of the best brands in the industry, people can recycle their denim locally.”

In an ongoing promotion, Madewell, a retail partner of the Blue Jeans Go Green program, is offering $20 off full-priced Madewell denim on the day of donation. Rag & Bone stores in the U.S. are also participating through the end of the year by offering 20 percent off full priced Rag & Bone denim on the day of recycling.

Can’t make it to a retailer? No Problem! Blue Jeans Go Green is also accepting mail-in denim donations every day of the year. Although the only incentive here is knowing you kept a piece of denim out of a landfill (and created some much-needed space in your closet), this easy-ship option is definitely a great way to give back anytime you come across a denim piece you no longer need or want, promoting what Samber refers to as “do good consumerism.”

As for what types of denim are accepted, the “anything goes” rule applies to mail-in donations. The pieces can be ripped, contain holes, be dyed any color, have embroidery, or even bedazzling (a perfect guilt-free excuse to get rid of those experimental DIY-projects-gone-awry). And, it doesn’t have to be a pair of jeans, either. With the mail-in program, you can ship denim tops, jackets, skirts, and maybe even that old acid wash fanny pack in the back of your closet.

Acceptable donations at local retailers are regulated by the individual store, so it’s best to check before showing up with your goods. For example, Madewell and Rag & Bone are only accepting jeans. Samber notes, “There are always new partners that participate at different times of the year,  so it’s a good idea to check the BlueJeansGoGreen.org website.” Here, you can get the scoop on participating retailers, as well as local college drop off locations in your area.

In the midst of our nation’s discarded clothing epidemic, the Blue Jeans Go Green program is offering us a way to keep consciously buying and recycling our favorite cotton apparel on America Recycles Day and beyond. “This program is just one illustration of how cotton touches our lives,” says Samber. “Whether it’s your favorite pair of jeans, your favorite way of giving back, or both,” your donated denim can and will make a difference.

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images via Blue Jeans Go Green

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Years ago, vegan or faux leather clothing and accessories were stigmatized as lesser quality products. The cheap and often times tacky looking material was a poor alternative to the real thing, and even ethical vegans found it difficult to give up their leather shoes and accessories for lack of quality, cruelty-free options. Fortunately, the past few years has seen a boom in leather alternative textiles, and companies are really showing off their creativity in terms of materials. The current trend is to not only provide an ethical product, but a sustainable one. So what’s the latest? Pineapple. Yes, we’re talking wearable fruit leather that looks, feels, and endures like its animal-based counterpart. Its called Piñatex™, and it is the latest en vogue material in the sustainable fashion world.

Piñatex™ is created with the long stranded fibers of pineapple leaves. Dr. Carmen Hijosa invented this creative material following her years of work in the leather industry. She took a trip to the Philippines in search of more natural products, and discovered that the pineapple leaf fibers could be made into a non-woven textile (translation: fabric that does not need to be knitted or sewn together). Dr. Hijosa implemented a system where the fibers are extracted by the pineapple farm workers, processed into a non-woven textile, then finished in Spain, ready to supply to responsibly-minded retailers. This practice bolsters the local farming economy and promotes sustainability, as pineapple leaves are considered a byproduct of the pineapple harvest and typically discarded. Dr. Hijosa created her consciously-minded company, Ananas Anam, as a way to distribute Piñatex™ globally.

Hipsters for Sisters (HFS) Collective, a Los Angeles based bag company, is an early adopter of pineapple leather and one of the first American companies to incorporate Piñatex™ into their collections. Dedicated to providing the highest quality products using the most sustainable materials, co-founder Rachel Denniston said they have had their eye on Piñatex™ for the past two years. HFS proudly debuted their pineapple leather bag collection in early Fall 2017. The line includes two belt bags (a chic, modern version of the practical fanny pack), a crossbody tote, and a matching zippered wallet. Denniston raved, “The true beauty of this collection stems from the fact that we are combining the rugged, edgy look of Piñatex™with our soft, elegant, eco-suede. The result is a sophisticated, unique collection that goes with just about anything!”

The price for these items reflects the true cost of operating a sustainable business. Unfortunately, the fast fashion industry has popularized the concept of cheap, disposable faux leather products, which has led to some resistance and even sticker shock when a non-leather good costs the same as its leather counterpart. However, it is essential to disrupt this ideology and make an effort to understand what goes into the pricing of these products. A sweat-shop made handbag is not meant to last over the years, and it can be produced quite cheaply and sold at a socially acceptable price point, no eyebrows raised. However, the same handbag made with durable, sustainable material by a worker earning a living wage will cost significantly more. The Piñatex™products at HFS Collective will set you back from $215 for the pocket belt bag and up to $395 for the large crossbody tote. Its true, there is an expense to responsible business practices, but for Denniston, ethics are non-negotiable.

“Simply stated, sustainable and ethical production means being responsible in one’s manufacturing and sourcing of fabric. Not only is it important to have the lightest impact on the planet with your production and sourcing of material, but its equally important to provide the craftsmen and women that make your products with fair, living wages in safe and pleasant working conditions. We try to do it all.”

In addition to HFS Collective, a few other small businesses are beginning to incorporate Piñatex™into their lines. The material is becoming more prevalent through Etsy retailers, and there is hope for larger distribution with big name brands in the future. 

In essence, fashion is an investment. It is not about how many different outfits you have or never wearing the same thing twice; it is about collecting classic, quality pieces that truly shine and make you feel confident. Fashion is not meant to be disposal, it is meant to be treasured and valued. Thanks to the recent innovations in sustainable material, like Piñatex™, quality fashion can now be ethical and sustainable fashion. We’d rather wear fruit than flesh, any day. 

Find Tanya on Instagram and The Vegan Potluck Podcast. 

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The myth that vegan coats and jackets are unattractive and outdated has long been dispelled by conscientious and fashion-forward designers. Thanks to trendsetters, like Stella McCartney and Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart, cruelty-free fashion is becoming a normalized and expected part of the fashion world. With that in mind, we hope you’ll appreciate and enjoy our vegan coat and jacket round-up.

1. Faux Fringe Jacket

Edgy leather jackets never seem to go out of style. And with good reason. Turning the ordinary into extraordinary, a stylish faux leather jacket adds instant chicness to any outfit. When you can find one with bonus details, like this awesome back fringe and draped waterfall front, it’s like winning the jacket lottery. Not only is this piece made from faux materials and certified vegan, it’s a definite nod to the ever-popular bohemian look. Pair it with everything in your closet this fall and winter, then keep it around for spring and summer nights. Priced at $98.

2. Pretty Hemp Parka

If you’re looking for serious warmth coupled with serious style, then you’ll want to spring for this down-free vegan coat. Organically grown, HoodLamb’s hemp clothing and accessories are created from cruelty-free products and devoid of harsh skin-harming chemicals. The Satifur lining inside this coat is made from a combination of hemp, recycled plastic, and acrylic fibers. Given four out of five snowflakes on the warmth-providing scale, this coat can withstand rain, snow, and 14 degree temps. Plus, it’s really pretty (loving this purple jewel tone) and comes in a variety of colors. Priced at $395.80.

3. Little Black Coat

Akin to the ever-fashionable, ever-versatile little black dress, this is the fall and winter equivalent we like to call the little black coat. Sexy, stylish, and sustainable, this impeccably tailored piece is designed to accentuate the body while still providing complete functionality.  With a detachable hood, snow-resistant exterior, and pro-vegan brand you can trust, this Vaute Couture coat is one you will have for many years to come. Available in a variety of colors, you can express yourself here, or stick with the great, go-with-everything black. We’re also really inspired by the all-black ensemble paired with tobacco ankle boots. Priced at $575.

4. Indigo Puffer Jacket

Smart and ethical with a futuristic aesthetic, outerwear from Save the Duck promises to be warm, cruelty-free, and attractive. Vowing to never use feathers, leather, hide, or fur, you can rest easy buying vegan coats from this company. The piece we’ve chosen is cast in a beautiful shade of blue, features an iridescent exterior, and provides breathable protection from the elements. With a variety of colors and styles, it will be tempting to buy a coat in each of Save the Duck’s beautiful hues. Either way, you’ll be wearing one, or several, of these coats year after year. Priced at $178.

5. Soft Blush Coat

Leaning more on the trendy side of today’s vegan coats, this abstract, faux fur piece is both thoughtful and statement-making. The silky “fur” exterior is made from acrylic, so there’s no need to fret over its origin. One for the adventurous fashion risk-taker, the beautiful blush colored coat is a soft choice for fall and winter. Great paired with grays, whites, pinks, denim, and other neutrals, you’ll find yourself wearing this piece again and again. Whether you decide to go edgy, or soft and feminine, this coat can easily be dressed up or down depending on your mood. Priced at $87.

*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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Folk fashion runs deeper than its aesthetic. As a craft focused on handmade clothing, the focus on sustainability is something we can all benefit from.

“Like it or not, we are all engaged in the fashion system,” says Amy Twigger Holroyd, author of “Folk Fashion: Understanding Homemade Clothes.” And she’s not wrong. If you aren’t a round-the-clock nudist, then we all participate in the fashion arena, but it’s how we spend our time there that matters most. Her in-depth research into folk fashion revealed a not-so-surprising dichotomy between fast fashion of today and the craft-conscious techniques of decades past. However, there are hints of a handmade and homemade clothing resurgence, it’s the staying power of it all that’s uncertain. While you may never take up sewing, knitting, or crocheting yourself, you still have the power to shop consciously. The clothes we’ve chosen for you today have a folk-inspired look, with plenty of embroidery, ethnic touches, and handmade appeal, but more than just the aesthetic, these clothes are seasonally timeless and made to last.

1. Vintage Navy Caftan

Authentically vintage from the 1970s, this navy blue folk-inspired caftan is in excellent (mint) condition and embodies the idea of the sustainable element of handcrafted folk clothing. Great for fall, this piece can be layered by placing a long sleeve top beneath, wearing it with tights, pairing with ankle boots, draping a chunky cardigan over top, by belting the waist, and a host of other ways. We’re also really loving the styling inspiration from the image. Coupling this caftan with a wide-brim hat and your favorite necklaces is a great idea! Priced at $68

2. Chevron Stripe Kimono

Kimonos are great closet staple pieces, especially when you want to save time and head out the door quickly while still looking stylish. This particular kimono features a neutral black and off-white color scheme with a tribal pattern that’s perfect for wearing with much of what you already own. A black sweater, dark skinny jeans, and black boots are one possible combination. A cool graphic tee, comfy leggings, and knee-high boots are another. Layering with this pieces is a definite and it will instantly transform a basic top into something fashion-forward. Priced at $118.

3. Ethnic Embellished Joggers

The perfect comfy pants to dress up or down, these joggers will definitely be at the top of your wish list and perfect for wearing to Thanksgiving dinner, because two words: elastic waistband. What’s also great, aside from the awesome folk print and luxuriously comfortable design, is that these are highly likely to become a pair of pants you’ll reach for again and again, regardless of the season. Great for accommodating those food babies around holiday time, and perfect for an evening walk on the beach, there are so many ways and reasons to wear these. Priced at $148.

4. Floral Denim Shirt

A great year-round top, this denim shirt has added detail to set it apart from the typical chambray shirt. The floral embroidery, relaxed fit, and cut-off hem give it a vintage, lived-in vibe that’s perfect for creating an effortlessly stylish look. Pair with jeans for a denim-on-denim ensemble, or with other pieces, like skirts, colored jeans, leggings, and more. Definitely great for layering and awesome with boots, this is an autumn staple piece for sure. Priced at $98.

5. Embroidered Midi Dress

Delicate, detailed, and inspired by folk fashion, this fit-and-flare midi is one you can wear nearly year-round. Great for layering, this dress will work well with fall pieces, like bomber jackets, coats, cardigans, leggings, jeans, scarves, and boots. Pile on the warmth when the weather turns chilly, then peel them away in the spring and summer, and wear this dress solo with your favorite sandals. Other styling recommendations include: belting the waist, pairing with a trendy wide-brim hat, and layering this dress over a fitted long sleeve top for a 90s-meets-folk look. Priced at $98.

*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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This week it’s all about the unexpected. Plaid is a staple, sure, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the unexpected details these feature.

Plaid is a quintessential fall pattern, but this time around, the looks are sophisticated, urban, feminine, and really quite different than those of the past. In other words, the usual plaid flannel has been turned on its head and transformed into new looks that will appeal to pretty much everyone.

1. Prim and Proper Dress

Who says plaid can’t be posh? This modern black and white look is perfect for work or play, and is especially great for the office. Straight from Los Angeles, this crinkle dress with handkerchief-style skirt features a figure flattering built-in belt and a hidden back zip. For work, pair this dress with a black blazer, black tights, and pumps or ankle booties. For the weekend, try knee-high boots, a chunky cardigan, and your favorite wide-brim hat. Priced at $188.

2. Plaid Patchwork Top

Deconstructed clothes are in. Patchwork and reworked looks that mix prints, patterns, and textures are the art pieces, albeit avant garde at times, of the fashion world. Whether you choose the popular deconstructed crisp button down, or opt for something more laid-back, like this oversized plaid shirt with contrasting hoodie, you really can’t lose. With this particular top, you’ll be able to wear it with all your favorite jeans, leggings, and boots for fall. It’s definitely a comfort first kinda top, but one you won’t regret buying. Priced at $198.

3. Subtle Plaid Blazer

Blazers are great wardrobe staple pieces for a variety of occasions. They’re perfect for the office, but also work really well for nights out, and even casual weekend jaunts. This particular jacket has a plaid pattern pattern, but thanks to its subtlety, it will still work well with a variety of pieces you already own. Great for pattern mixing, wear this jacket with other prints, like floral, stripes, and even polka dots. And, to sweeten the deal, this jacket was made from deadstock remnant fabric and handcrafted right here in the United States. Priced at $69.

4. Bell Sleeve Blouse

A plaid top is a must-have for fall. But if you’d prefer to skip the grunge look this season, then we recommend trying this blouse instead of the typical oversized flannel. So pretty and unique, the bell sleeves on this top add a feminine touch to an otherwise masculine print. That detail, coupled with the lightweight fabric and fitted design, make for a great fall-ready blouse. Pair this with jeans, leggings, or trousers and your favorite boots. Dress it up or down with your accessories, and prepare to get tons of compliments wherever you go. Priced at $29.99.

5. Flowy Maxi Skirt

By far one of the coolest plaid garments we’ve seen, this deconstructed flannel maxi skirt is a definite statement piece. With a relaxed, boho vibe, this skirt will have you fall ready in a snap. Pair it with basic or printed tees, long sleeve tops, and your favorite sweaters. This looks awesome styled with booties, but would also work well with knee-high or over-the-knee boots. And in the meantime, southern state dwellers can pair this skirt with sandals and a knotted or cropped tee similar to the model’s. Priced at $114.

*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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Ah, denim. The popular textile that comprises some of our most favorite pieces is getting an entire article dedicated to the universally loved look.

With the impending changing of the seasons, it only makes sense to focus on denim. The material is flattering, easy to care for, only gets more comfortable with time, great for all seasons, and pairs well with with a variety of items you already own. We’re particularly smitten with these picks because of their easy to wear, yet fashion-forward vibes, and think you’ll feel the same. Heck, you may even find your new favorite piece on this list.

1. Staple Chambray Shirt

Let’s be real — no wardrobe, and we mean no wardrobe, is complete without a chambray shirt. The lightweight denim is perfect for layering in the fall, and for pairing with a cami and rolled up cuffs in the summer. It can be dressed up or down and looks great with colored jeans for an added pop. We’d recommend wearing this particular top with black denim skinnies, a bib necklace, and a pair of stylish booties. Priced at $78.

2. Ultra Cool Kimono

A truly unique piece to add to your wardrobe, this denim kimono jacket is sure to garner compliments wherever you go. With a minimalist vibe, the piece would look great with simple skinny jeans, chunky heeled shoes, and a wide brim hat for a touch of drama. For now, wear this with camisoles and short sleeve tops. But when cooler weather rolls in, layer away. Long sleeve tops will look great peeking out of the wide-cut, bracelet-length openings. Priced at $69.

3. Comfy Boyfriend Jeans

For a pair of denim pants you’ll want to live in, look no further than these boyfriend jeans. Lived-in and sure to be loved, these are the epitome of comfort and style combined. Snug at the hips and waist, yet baggy in the legs, these are said to fit like a dream. They’d look excellent with simple summery tops and sandals during the tail end of the season. And when autumn rolls around, pair these jeans with sweaters, flannels, loafers, booties, and so much more. Priced at $98.

4. Dark Wash Jumpsuit

Another truly unique piece on our list, this fitted denim jumpsuit is a statement maker. Great for warm weather when worn with camisoles, tanks, and even crop tops or bramis, you can easily round out the look with a pair of sandals or open-toed heels. Then, in the fall, layer over a long sleeve top, with a pair of ankle booties, and a cool bomber jacket. Don’t forget the accessories! We recommend stacked bracelets and aviators. Priced at $128.

5. Indigo Blue Dress

A departure from the traditional shirtdress, yet still great for grab-and-go days, this denim number is perfect for now and in the fall. The workwear detailing adds interest, while also creating a flattering slimming silhouette. Great with a pair of casual sneakers and rolled up cuffs, this dress is a fun casual choice. When the crisp air emerges, this would also look adorable with tights and knee-high boots. To break up the solid denim, consider undoing a few buttons and showing some skin, or layering a cami underneath. Priced at $180.

*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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Nothing epitomizes French-girl style quite like the effortless street looks we see popping up during Paris Fashion Week.

From tousled locks, fresh faces, and red lips, to sleek ensembles featuring a certain je ne sais quoi that we can only hope to replicate, we’re definitely gaga for Parisian style. Fortunately, you can pull off the laid-back glamour from the City of Light with just a few key pieces and tips to get you going. Faux leather moto jackets, chic sets, sleek pants, and other garments with max detail, you’ll be emulating French-girl style in no time. Plus, you can be even happier knowing that all of our picks are summer-to-fall transitional approved.

1. Chic Embroidered Top

French-girl style is far from boring and actually includes a lot more than just black-on-black. Although we love the monochrome look, too, the color palette can be bright and cheery, depending on your mood and the occasion. For a touch of color and whimsy, this particular embroidered top is a super sweet choice and great for pairing with jeans or trousers. Loafers would be tres chic, as would a felt beret. Flare leg or pencil style pants would add a vintage flair that would round out this top nicely. Priced at $88.

2. High Rise Pant

Nothing short of amazing, these unique high-rise pants were created with details in mind. Channel your inner French-girl by pairing these sleek pants with a blousy, romantic top or with a crisp white button-down with a faux leather vest. They come in multiple colors, but this neutral denim stripe look could quickly become a closet staple. Great with loafers or ankle booties, these would make great fall pants that would work well with a variety of layering pieces. Priced at $59.

3. Modern Chartreuse Set

French girls are known for their superior coordination and effortlessly chic sets. This lightweight short and jacket look works amazingly well with the printed dot top pictured above, and will carry you easily into fall. When the weather turns chilly, layer the shorts over a pair of black tights with a pair of ankle booties, and throw on a long sleeve top under the blazer. Scarves, hats, and minimalist cross-body handbags are the perfect added accessories. Priced at $98.

4. Faux Moto Jacket

A definite closet staple, this motorcycle jacket is a magnifique way to add a touch of ultra-chic edge to any outfit. Start wearing it now for nights out on the town paired with curve-hugging skinny jeans and a high-low chiffon top. And when the weather turns cool, a gingham skirt, black tights, a sweater, and ankle booties will make for the perfect autumn French-girl outfit. Priced at $119.

5. Sexy Power Pant

Whether for work or play, you’ll make a serious statement wherever you go in these pants. Sleek and flattering, these must-have bottoms feature a wide leg, center back zipper, and high-rise waist. Perfect with a graphic tee and heels, a sexy low-cut blouse, or a top made for the office, you’ll be able to wear these pants again and again. We absolutely love how they drape and think they’ll look amazing with heels or booties. Priced at $178.

*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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1×1’s founder and designer, Ashley Denisov, took a moment to chat with us about her company’s philosophy, its staunch sustainability practices, the importance of slow fashion, and to share a few fashion forward tips on styling and accessorizing 1×1’s pieces for work.

With the belief that “Seasons are out. Collections are in,” 1×1 has made it the company mission to “create modern pieces with a unique yet timeless style.” The result is a staple assemblage of slow-fashion pieces that epitomize the modern, working woman’s must-have wardrobe, with the marked difference being a conscious, sustainable approach that is taken with each of 1×1’s releases. With local manufacturing and eco-friendly materials at the heart of everything it does, these fashion forward, made-in-the-USA pieces are some you can be proud to purchase and wear for years to come.  

Inspired by the desire to “remedy the wasteful practices of fast fashion,” and “a desire to be completely transparent,” Denisov developed 1×1 based on the “principle of slowing production and thinking about why we make the clothing we do.”

“With a business operating on the idea of putting out low quality clothing at high volume, the goal of fast fashion is for consumers to buy as many garments as possible, as quickly as possible. And with designers creating new looks on a weekly basis, the fashion calendar for these companies is set up to deliberately make the customer feel off-trend after the first wear,” Denisov warned. This, she points out, results in landfills being flooded with fashion’s discarded trends and fads.

When asked why she chose to take and eco-friendly route to production and manufacturing, Denisov said, “I think now more than ever it is vital to rethink how we produce Fashion, which is the second most wasteful industry in the world surpassed only by oil. We simply do not have the resources to keep producing at the pace we do now. We owe it to ourselves to keep innovating and exploring new sustainable materials and manufacturing standards.”

With transparency a top priority, a quick glance at the 1×1 website reveals that production is done in Los Angeles, and that the two main materials used to create the clothing are tencel and wool. Tencel is, as Denisov describes, “a biodegradable fabric made from Eucalyptus tree pulp and has been patented for sustainability. Tencel is breathable, strong, drapes beautifully, and is wrinkle-resistant–the perfect fabric for our essential shirts collection.”

When it comes to the wool, however, Denisov notes that the environmental impact may vary “depending on the farms where the sheep reside, the treatment of the animals, and the processing of the wool once it is sheared.” In response to how 1×1 is able to ensure the sheep are treated humanely, she says the company sought out Imperial Stock Ranch, who works with eco pioneers, Patagiona, as its wool supplier, “because it is an industry leader in these standards.” Patagonia worked with Imperial Stock Ranch to define a new wool standard “that reflects high, verifiable standards for both animal welfare and land management.”

As far as new releases go, and why other designers should consider jumping on board the slow fashion bandwagon, Denisov says the capsule collection model  “has more to do with the conversation we want to have with our customers. We want our line to be the go-to pieces you reach for again and again, so I feel they each deserve a story. When we release a collection one by one it lets us take the time to be completely transparent about how those products came to be.”

Ideal for the office (and also for play), 1×1 has an excellent selection for the working professional. With a spring/summer shirt collection that features modern, beautifully draped tanks, button up tops, and hidden button shirtdresses, there are a handful of fashion forward separates to choose from that will coordinate well with many of the trousers, skirts, and blazers you already own for work.  

The chunky wool collection is stunning. Between the sleeveless knits and dramatic necklines, you’ll be garnering compliment after compliment in these looks.

And when it comes to taking these pieces from the boardroom to the bar for a happy hour toast with your colleagues, Denisov suggests accessorizing to achieve this transition with ease. She recommends a statement necklace on the hidden button pieces, and even suggests unbuttoning a few from the top and layering these over other garments. The hidden button tank, in particular, she says, would look great over a tank dress, and the high side slit tank can show a little skin if you pair them with low-rise pants.

Thanks to Denisov’s diligent forethought, attention to detail, and attractive aesthetic, collecting timeless pieces like those from 1×1 means you’ll always be on trend.  

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Lightweight dresses are what summer fashion is all about. Our list includes five casual frocks you’ll want to wear all season long.

Dresses are perfect for summer, especially when they’re made of lightweight materials, like linen and cotton. Great for throwing on over a swimsuit, doing a little weekend shopping, or hanging out by the tiki bar, you’ll love each and every one of these dresses for different reasons.

With flirty minis, trendy midis, and tried and true maxis, there are a variety of shapes and sizes to fit your personal style. We’ve included colorful and eye-catching looks, as well as basic, but far from boring, neutral dresses, allowing you to have as much fun with color and accessories as you’d like. Even better news is that these are well made dresses in natural materials that are intended to last, meaning these fabulous frocks will be around for many summers to come.

1. Peachy Keen Midi

This peach linen button down dress with a sweetheart neckline may quite possibly become your favorite summer dress. We recommend wearing this as-is with your favorite flats, or layered with a variety of different summer separates. Style this dress unbuttoned with a pair of denim shorts, over your swimwear, with distressed jeans, or over a coordinating tank. Beyond peach, this style comes in multiple colors and patterns. Priced at $79.

2. Flirty Ruffled Mini

A cross between a pinafore dress and a vintage apron, this flirty little number has had a modern makeover with a lightweight summer feel. Black gives it a more formal appeal, but the cotton and linen blend and semi-sheer look keeps it casual. You’ll look as good coming as you will going thanks to the dramatic low-back design that would show off your ink. This dress would pair well with black lace up flats or some trendy platform sneakers. Priced at $68.

3. Setting Sun Maxi

Wow! A fun, eye-popping dress like this captures all the colors of the rainbow (and beautiful beach sunsets) and has combined them into one really rad-looking maxi. Casual, and slightly oversized, this empire waist dress has a tassel tie back detail and a generous cut. Try it with a coordinating bralette or basic tank if you don’t want to go braless. You can also throw this over all of your swimwear. Pair with heels or flats and your favorite straw tote.  Priced at $98.

4. Yellow Gingham Midi

Take the picnic with you wherever you go in this adorable gingham linen midi. We’re loving the way it’s styled with the fishtail pigtail braids and the espadrille lace-up wedges. The roomy cut still provides plenty of shape thanks to the elastic waistband and is loose in the bust area, providing a relaxed fit. And although it’s not bra friendly, it does have pockets (pockets!), which pretty much cancels out any sort of flaw this dress might have. Priced at $218.

5. Denim Cold Shoulder

The list wouldn’t be complete without a touch of the trendy. This off-the-shoulder dress is breezy, chic, modern, and perfect for lightweight summer dressing. Denim makes it unique and the bell sleeves add a touch of whimsy. The close cut is loose, yet flattering and would look great with a variety of footwear. From lace-up flats to espadrille wedges, and laid-back slides to athletic sneakers, you can’t go wrong! An armful of bangles and simple thin hoop earrings would complement this look nicely. Priced at $98.   

*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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