Confession: When I learned about the thigh gap trend, I looked in the mirror to see if I have one. I don’t, and guess what? The world didn’t come to an end!

The “thigh gap” is the new cleavage (which I don’t have either!). In case you haven’t heard, a thigh gap is the space between the tops of your legs when you stand with your feet together. This feature has become a disturbing form of ‘thinspiration’ among young women, with entire Tumblr blogs, Pinterest boards, Twitter accounts, and hashtags dedicated to the subject. There’s even a tutorial on how to get a thigh gap (FYI the first sentence of step one is “Understand that a thigh gap is not physically possible for most people.”)

When it comes to body image trends in general, I’ve been completely out of the loop for the past few years – on purpose. I spent almost my entire 20s trying to build and maintain the “ultimate” lifestyle that’s “supposed” to make a woman happy: the career, the home, the clothes, the shoes, the makeup, the tech, the socializing, the relationship. On the outside, my life looked like a Marc Jacobs ad. But I was exhausted trying to keep up, and behind all the glitz I wasn’t a woman anymore – I was a shell.

Sure I could blame the photoshopped celebs and models in fashion mags, and every thigh gap blog out there for how I feel about myself, but the only one truly to blame for my formerly-skewed body image is me. How you feel about your body is 100 percent in your control. A fashion ad is just that – we’re the ones imposing the subliminal messages of perfection onto ourselves.

What helped me break free was when I started thinking about the women I admire and the reasons I admire them. Surprisingly, my admiration had nothing to do with their looks or thigh gap at all, instead it was what they’ve achieved – they’re so successful in their areas of expertise they surpass the concept of physical beauty. In fact, their eccentricities are their signature – and the “weirder” they are, the more I admire them!

Even if you were to achieve the perfect thigh gap (I can’t believe I just said that), there’s going to be a new body image obsession right around the corner – you have to decide where to draw the line. Model Robyn Lawley put it best:

We have the power to change perceptions about body image—and we have the power to stop harmful trends like the “thigh gap.”

How do you feel about the thigh gap trend?

Related on EcoSalon:

8 Essential Oils to Help You Feel Amazing Naked

10 Tabloid Tips for a Hollywood Body

Your Body Image In Bed

Image: Wikimedia Commons

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An old proverb states that it is better to travel well than to arrive. There are many interpretations of that profound statement, but the most literal one is also applicable. So, as we gear up to make the trip home for the holidays, it seems appropriate to focus on just a few items that will make your trip that much more comfortable (regardless of the airline you are flying).

An ethically sourced and produced scarf from The North Circular keeps you stylishly cozy when the cabin temperature starts to drop. Of course, you will need a carry-on bag that fits all your snacks and gadgets. For this we recommend the upcycled leather top handle oversized satchel from The Sway NYC.

A long day of traveling can be hard on the feet, but not when you slip into a pair of Kuyban loafers. Every pair offers their signature insole supports which transform any pair of shoes into a walking dream. And when you are relaxing in flight, don’t forget to pull out a pair of socks to keep your toes warm. We are fans of the recycled cotton pair from Socksmith.

Finally, what would a travel bag be without a balm for your lips, hands and face? Not to worry, the folks over are Lush have the just the thing- the Ultrabalm!

Holiday travel can be hectic, but with a little forethought and some signature luxuries – including a newly downloaded book for your iPad or Kindle, the traveling may very well become one of the best parts of your trip.

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1. Gunas produces urban bags that are inspired by the architecture of the city, and ethos of sustainable fashion. These luxury vegan bags adapt from formal to casual and come in colors and styles for both sexes – a definite must for the city dweller!

2. Envirosax has been on eco-fashionistas’ radars for quite some time, but with the new graphic series their stylish workability has stepped up a notch. These bags are great for stuffing into your day bag to offer additional space for when you stop by the grocery store on your way home.

3. When you need a stylish bag you can rely on, Maggie Bags are one of the best options out there! Made from durable seat belts that are upcycled into different sized totes and messenger bags, Maggie Bags won’t let you down.

4. In a recent collaboration with Alicia Silverston, EcoTools launched a new cosmetic bag collection that includes an overnight bag. Made from hemp and recycled plastic lining, this super sweet bag may just seduce you to take that long weekend!

(Street style image in photo from Mr. Newton.)

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Warm weather begs for bright colors and statement prints. The tribal trend is going strong and offers exotic intrigue in any setting – this is the trend where print on print thrives! So, take a bold pattern print top like the zebra half topper from Mociun and pair it with an equally attention seeking bottom. Short minis, loud leggings or pleated skirts should do the trick, or opt for a cut-out detail dress from LA based designer Brigid Catiis.

And as you take your layers off for warmer temps keep the accessories piled on! An all organic fedora in teal and a multi-color accented oversized handbag are the perfect accomplices to complete the urban tribal look. Even subtle details like the print on the heeled sandal by Stella McCartney create interest and make any outfit a bit more playful. Don a urban ethnic piece and be prepared to join the tribe!

This is the second installment in new fashion writer Greta Eagan’s column, Trending, on seasonal fashion trends and how to green them up. Say hi to Greta!

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Tie dye conjures up snap shots of music festivals in mud from a period past, but with a modern spin this trend is back in! In fact, it has a sister trend to support it – the dip dye. With both, the key is to not have the dye look too calculated or crazy. It’s an interesting balance, but one that adds a bit of texture to your outfit in a fresh new way.

Jaws dropped in utter lust at the Proenza Shouler S/S 2010 runway show, and celebs quickly caught the tie dye trend, pairing it with solid casual pieces to make it effortless and cool. We are loving the eco labels who are on top of this spring trend: Jonano, Frei and SUST.

From bold colors to more of the subtle tonal fades – this is a look that is ripe for spring weather with a little attitude! Keep your accessories neutral and let the tie or dip dye piece make the statement. The best part about this trend is that it is a true day to night converter. So ‘fess up: you are loving this trippy trend as much as we are!

This is the first installment in new fashion writer Greta Eagan’s column, Trending, on seasonal fashion trends and how to green them up. Say hi to Greta!

Graphics: Greta Eagan

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