Every day is better with a new track. 

How can you not love a song about thrifting? Just make sure not to play too loud at the office; there are a few “this is f***ing awesome  lines.

Every day we bring you one track for a little musical inspiration. Have a track you want to submit? Email us at contact@ecosalon.com.

The post Daily Track: Thrift Shop (Featuring Wanz) – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis appeared first on EcoSalon.

EcoSalon goes vintage shopping in New York City.

A while back we discussed the “fashion hauling” phenomenon and the impact it is having on today’s teen shopper. While I do think it’s a disturbing trend, I also realize that there is very little we can do to affect the basic desire that shoppers have to share their finds with others. If you can’t beat them, join them. Of course, we here at EcoSalon do it in a conscious consumer kind of way, featuring some of awesome vintage finds that I recently scored while scouring two of my favorite NYC thrift shops.

At Beacon’s Closet in Williamsburg I found two things that fit well into current trends.

This African print tunic, which has a really lovely pattern and one of my favorite colors: green. I think it’s originally for kids, because the arm holes are a bit tight, but that’s an easy fix with the sewing machine.

These pale pink shorts are really nicely distressed, and both the color and length are right on trend for summer. And at $12, they were a great deal.

Moving on to my other favorite Brooklyn thrift shop, Guvnor’s Vintage Thrift, I found a bunch of great dresses.

First, I saw this vaguely animal-pattern dress in a nice, flattering 50s-style cut. Usually it’s hard to find this kind of dress without a really narrow waist, but this one fits perfectly and I’ll probably pair it with a delicate belt. I love the colors and the pearlized buttons too.

Like I mentioned, I’m very into bright greens right now, and this 70s dress with a pleated skirt and metallic bodice instantly caught my eye.

I have a problem with black—so much so that I had banned myself from buying anything black this summer. This long-sleeve maxi dress fit me really well, though, and when I saw that the label was called Mr. Sergio, like one of my best friends, I just had to break down and get it. It’s got these really nice ruffle details on the front that keep it from being just another black dress. Or maybe that’s just my excuse.

Finally, this rose-patterned linen thing caught my eye. Initially I wasn’t sure why, but I think I can relate to the fact that it’s an insane mix of styles – the collar is vaguely Asian, the pattern very conservative and sort of British, and the leather lace up detail with shells is very hippie chic. It was also less than $20, so done deal.

Actually, none of these set me back more than $40. The brown animal-print dress and green 70s party dress were the most expensive things, but the good thing about vintage clothing is that you can just sell it again once you don’t want it anymore. It’s like a virtuous circle of consumption, where all this good stuff is passed along for someone else to discover and fall in love with one day.

What are some of your recent vintage finds?

The post Vintage Fashion Haul: Thrifty Finds from NYC appeared first on EcoSalon.

The fall shows are over and though we won’t see those collections in stores until the end of summer, we still need to start busying ourselves with the tasks at hand.

As eco-fashionistas looking to reuse and recycle to maximize our wardrobe’s potential, now is the time to get a jump start on incorporating the trends that will flatter an independent sense of style.

Designs shown at this year’s Green Shows prove producing clothes sustainably and ethically is no longer a style compromise for contemporary eco-designers. But, with the economy seemingly teetering on a pair of cheaply-produced heels, be extra-discerning with your remaining clothing budget. Thanks to vintage, thrift and consignment stores, rounding out your eco-designs with a few second-hand finds is a thrifty and environmentally sound solution.

Happily, the 2010 trends lend themselves beautifully to the creative urban rummager. Ranging from menswear for women to layers and decorative patchwork (yes patchwork) here are some of next seasons most easy-to-green trends:

Marc Jacobs fall 2010, Courtesy of Elle

Menswear: Borrowing from the boys has been an enduring theme. Beyond the vest, the boyfriend jacket is still a strong option because it so effectively pulls together a diaphanous spring look when slung over the top. While in the menswear section, keep your eyes open for a velvet dinner jacket. Fall’s velvet crush is most flattering as a tailored piece but the fabric is really everywhere.

Mothlove, fall 2010

Layering: Working equally well Spring or Fall, were a profusion of looks anchored by the presence of tissue-thin knit turtlenecks. You can utilize this layering piece to take existing items from the specific to the seasonless. Create a neutral background you can contrast with the pop of a colorful, revealing, or avant-garde piece on top.

This look played out with many designers showing dresses over trousers and, more daringly, socks with sandals. While a great excuse to unbox last years summer shoes early, it requires paying close attention to the subtleties; ensure sandals are chunkier than the socks. For the most leg lengthening effect, wear nude colored socks. Alternately, replicate the rock and roll effect of the bootie trend by matching socks with the color of the shoe.

Trenches Reworked: In uncertain times we often look to the classics for reassurance. This take on the trench has a decided twist though. Appearing cropped and swingy at the waist, reworked as vests, or simply cinched with a contrasting dress belt, there are many options for remaking a cast-off trench coat. For the uninitiated sewer, your tailor can help.

Chloe fall 2010, courtesy of Elle

Patchwork: A rustic look that’s not for the sartorially faint-hearted! Just ask the Partridge Family! Patchwork, as a decorative motif, has returned in outerwear and across denim lines. If you’ve ever fancied yourself beginning a sewing project, this is the season to get out the bag of scraps.

Of course, the point here is fashion is meant to be fun! If all this is starting to sound like hard work, don’t worry. One catwalk trend is low effort and entirely democratic; apply a swash of vibrant red lipstick and sport it like the models, with minimal make-up. Try a natural, paraban-free variety such as RMS beauty’s Lip2Cheek: Rapture or Josie Maran’s sheer-red shade, Devious. Both in recyclable packaging no less!

Top photo Burberry fall 2010, courtesy of Elle

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