Classic and timeless, nautical stripes signal the arrival of warm summer days.

It seems like every year, when summer rolls around, stripes in all shapes and forms reappear. Maybe this is because of the summery nautical vibe they inspire or simply because they are timeless and never go out of style (just ask Jean Paul Gaultier). Nautical stripes also made their way back onto the runway for spring and summer, especially in classic red, white, blue and gray. Avoid the “ship ahoy” look by pairing your stripes with tougher garments like a biker jacket or be unexpected and dress them up with bright colors, floral patterns or animal prints.

TOMS Navy Stripe Nautical Women’s Biminis
These Nautical Biminis are designed for serious maritime adventures, at sea or perhaps your favorite nautically-inspired pool bar in the city. For every pair you buy, TOMS donates a pair of shoes to a child in need.
$69, TOMS

Lemlem Gama Woven Tee
Supermodel and former WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Liya Kebede started Lemlem as a way to preserve the ancient craft of traditional weavers in her native Ethiopia and provide jobs that could inspire economic independence. This handwoven top features bold sailor stripes, available in four different colorways. It looks great with white jeans, even if you’re not a supermodel.
$200, Lemlem

Black Stripe Henley Tank by Edith A. Miller
This simple striped tank by Edith A. Miller features button detailing in the front that makes it a highly versatile piece. Button it up and pair with a skirt for a sweet retro look or unbutton it all the way, pile on some necklaces and a leather jacket for a tougher vibe. Edith A. Miller works toward preserving the American knitwear industry by manufacturing in a sixth-generation knit factory in Pennsylvania.
$68, Juno & Jove

United By Blue Braided Sailing Bracelet
This black and white knotted bracelet sports some great sailing hardware and is an easy way to add a bit of nautical vibe to an outfit without being over the top. Designer Jill Kauffman is a medical student by day and draws inspiration from her favorite leisure activities: sailing, skiing, and kayaking. Many are even handcrafted onboard her 1967 Albacore. For every product sold, United By Blue removes one pound of trash from our worlds oceans and waterways.
$35, United By Blue

Organic by John Patrick Mini Dress
Practical, comfortable and highly wearable, this striped navy and white mini dress by Organic by John Patrick has all the ingredients for becoming a go-to summer wardrobe staple. The cotton sweater knit fabric makes it feel like you’re wearing your favorite sweater, and the vegetable tanned leather elbow patches add some unexpected attitude. It’s also made in the USA.
$345, Beklina

The post On Trend: Nautical Stripes appeared first on EcoSalon.

Bringing in a sustainably fashion forward new year with…The Box!

Our exclusive EcoSalon shopping must-have, the curated product assortment known as The Box, is back. We’re offering $500 in eco-goodies for the New Year for just $99 and these won’t last. That’s a guarantee.

Just because we’re stuck in the middle of winter doesn’t mean we can’t look good and feel good. Slip on your new designer shades, crack open a thick novel and do some DIY…or indulge with a gift certificate or two! Regardless, of what you do with it, this is a curated collection you won’t want to miss and keep all for yourself or share with some friends.

(If you do miss out this time around, our friends at The Frisky are hosting a giveaway for the last remaining Fashion Box standing. Head on over to their site and register to win!)

Just look at what we have in store for you this time around:

Eco by Modo

Designer sunglasses? No, we’re not kidding. Eco by Modo pushes innovation and promotes sustainability with sunglasses made of recycled stainless steel and plastic to bring a radically new perspective into eyewear without sacrificing quality, design or price. All of the sunglasses capture attention by featuring the iconic Eco logo, a circle on the temple tip, which connects directly with the 360°-approach to sustainability throughout the entire product life cycle.

The collection carries a UL Environment Validation, certifying that the products are made from a minimum of 95% recycled stainless steel and plastic. Thanks to the One Frame One Tree initiative, for each pair of Eco by Modo frames purchased, Eco by Modo plants one tree together with Trees for the Future, a non-profit organization that has been helping communities around the world plant trees since 1989. So far over 600,000 trees have been planted…and counting.

We have 15 in black and 15 in Tort Gold just for you (above). First come first serve, so specify in comments when paying!

(Retails for $160)

P.S. – I Made This…

It’s a movement. It’s a call to action: reimagine, reuse, and reinvent. P.S. – I Made This inspires and encourages us to embrace the concept of I see it, I like it, I make it. Part designer DIY, part fashion and lifestyle inspiration guide, P.S. – I Made This was born from Erica Domesek’s wildly popular website of the same name. Domesek’s collection of unique projects will tempt any green fashionista who’s ready for serious DIY style.

The book features more than 25 projects inspired by iconic fashion looks, runway trends, and celebrated style mavens for readers to create themselves. The user-friendly “Designer DIY” projects, ranging from lucite bangles to faux-fur vests to studded heels, are featured alongside inspirational, vivid fashion montages and clear, easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions.

Erica’s projects have been featured in publications such as Glamour and Teen Vogue, among others. Based in New York City, Erica has styled numerous campaigns for big-name fashion brands.

(Retails for $18.95)

Recycled Leather Tote

Edgy street style and a designer price point, yours in this edition The Box. This buttery-soft leather bag has rectangular chevrons and pockets galore for women on the go who need a bigger bag. Large snap pockets fore and aft hold books, your trusty Moleskine or that new vegan lip gloss you just got while two stash pockets wrap around the sides. Toss the adjustable strap over your shoulder, or remove it and slip your fingers around the comfy handle. Perfect for the organized fashionista in us all.

(A $279 retail value!)

Roux Maison Laundry Detergent

Roux Maison’s eco-luxe laundry line includes custom formulated, fabric-specific laundry detergents and a stain remover.  They are all made with the finest natural ingredients and are designed to be both gentle and highly effective. Full-sized, super concentrated formulas allow for 40 loads of laundry with just 16 oz of detergent, regardless of type of washing machine used. Most of Roux Maison’s detergents are currently available in two bespoke natural fragrances, Sweet Tea and Ambrosia, that are both exclusively made from 100% pure and therapeutic-grade essential oils, with no artificial fragrances or additives. Detergents are also available in fragrance-free versions with absolutely no masking ingredients added at all. Enjoy a full-sized vibrant Lavender version in this edition of The Box.

(Retails for $14.99)

$50 Gift Certificate to Soleone + 25% EcoSalon Exclusive Promotion

Soleone garments are crafted from bamboo fibers, which makes them both incredibly soft and luxuriously comfortable. The signature fabric has built-in properties to wick away odor and moisture, keeping you dry. Besides being better for you, bamboo fiber is better for our planet. A sustainable resource grown without pesticides or fertilizers, bamboo is 100% biodegradable, while being hypoallergenic and wrinkle resistant. Stock up on fresh new year skivvies and deliciously silky-smooth lounge wear with your $50 gift certificate and an additional 25% off on any purchases beyond $50 with promo code SoleoneEcoSalon.

(Retails for $50)

$50 Gift Certificate to Future:Standard

Future:Standard is an online boutique that provides ethical clothing and accessories (eco-friendly, fair trade, locally made, and anything made with respect to the planet and those who are making it). Owner Jessica Althoff explains it best: “is waiting for the day that what we purchase does not need to be described as sustainable or fair trade. This assumes that all products are made in the most sustainable way possible and with concern for those making the products. That all of this is standard. This is our Future:Standard.”

(Retails for $50.00)

United by Blue Shark Fin T-Shirt

United by Blue founder Brian Linton attributes “The Blue Movement” to deepwater explorers like Jacques Cousteau, “an avid diver whose own passion for the underwater world transformed a generation,” and to Dr. Sylvia Earle, “whose groundbreaking research continues to inspire a new generation of scientists and discoverers.”

With Cousteau an obvious pick for inspiring ocean love and research, who are the new Blue Movement pioneers? They’re people like Linton and his United by Blue team, who not only sell sustainable apparel and jewelry that contribute and support their cause, but get down and dirty themselves. For every product sold, UBB removes one pound of trash from oceans and waterways through company organized and hosted cleanups.

This super cute shirt is a little longer than most tees, perfect for layering or wearing on its own and flattering to all figures. Specify S, M, or L – first come, first served!

(Retails for $25.00)

AB Designs Upcycled Bike Tube Earrings

From afar, these bike tube earrings look like they might even be made from metal, but in actuality they’re flexible and incredibly lightweight, just the thing for when you want an easy-to-wear statement piece. Handmade in Portland, Oregon out of old bicycle tubes, these earrings represent upcycling at its most stylish.

(Retails for $19.00)

Fisherman’s Daughter Organic Cotton Head Bands

Fisherman’s Daughter is a Cape Cod-based boutique as well as house for sustainable designer Taylor Brown Armour, whose line Fisherman’s Daughter is made from all sustainable materials. Armour’s unique collection of handmade organic clothing  and accessories give a strong nod to ocean themes and is collected by women all over the U.S. who appreciate her one-of-a-kind and bespoke pieces.

(Retails for $36)

Wildlife Works’ Mraba Scarf

Wildlife Works’ mission is to harness the power of the global consumer to create innovative and sustainable solutions for wildlife conservation. They call it Consumer Powered Conservationism. When you buy a Wildlife Works product, you become an agent for conservation. You’re wearing the brand that says you won’t sit quietly by while the last wild things in the last wild places disappear forever.

(Retails for $28.00)

PACT Organic Socks

The PACT organization partners with lots of different causes to promote awareness. Their current Share the Love collection helps bring awareness to Citizen Effect. Citizen Effect is driven by the idea that anyone can make a real and significant impact in the world. Their mission is to provide Citizen Philanthropists the tools and networks they need to work directly with communities in need around the world.

In partnership with Citizen Effect, PACT is sharing the love all over the world. When you buy PACT this Spring, you’re helping them raise money for community projects in Uganda, India, and America. PACT thinks what the world needs now is a little love. And no better place to start then your underwear. And in this case, your socks! Super comfy, one size fits most women’s feet.

(Retails for $10.00)

Orders are processed through Paypal. Simply click to buy!

SORRY, THIS EDITION IS SOLD OUT!

The fine print: Please note there will be an additional $30 flat charge which covers all shipping, handling and sales tax fees. Packages are processed and shipped with love within 7 business days of ordering via UPS Ground. We cannot ship internationally (we wish we could!). You’ll receive a confirmation email once your order has gone through. Due to the extremely limited nature of these special assortments, we regret that refunds are not possible if you change your mind. If any items you receive are damaged, the participating brands and EcoSalon are happy to replace them for you as soon as the item(s) is available. If the exact item is not available, one of similar value will be offered. Enjoy your assortment of green goodies! We’re excited to send them your way.

The post January Fashion Box: ‘This Is My Year to be Sustainably Sexy’ Edition appeared first on EcoSalon.

Keeping those New Year’s resolutions can be made easier by incorporating stylish reminders into your wardrobe.

Here we are, a few days into the new year and hopefully still on track with our resolutions. Whatever your resolution may be — eating more veggies, practicing more gratitude, helping rebuild disaster areas, giving up bottled water or supporting sustainable seafood —  you can probably find an item of clothing that will help serve as a reminder.

Eat Your Veggies Mushroom U-line Tank
Resolution: I will eat more veggies. Besides being one of my favorite veggies, mushrooms provide a wealth of protein, fiber and vitamin C, and have also been shown to boost heart health, lower risk of cancer; promote immune function; ward off viruses and help balance blood sugar levels. Designed and made in the USA, this tank top is made from 100% Siro Micro Modal (derived from sustainable beechwood) and printed with water based inks.
On sale for $20, Revenge Is

Practice Gratitude Bamboo Wear with Organic Cotton
Resolution: I will practice gratitude. This soft tee is made in a Fair Trade facility that guarantees a fair wage and safe working conditions, from a silky blend of 70% bamboo and 30% organic cotton. As a bonus karmic reward, a tree will also be planted for every tee you buy. Now there’s something to be grateful for.
$34, Tees For Change

United by Blue 167 Tee
Resolution: I will give up bottled water. 167 is the average number of water bottles disposed of in the ocean per person. If we all pledge to give up bottled water in favor of reusable bottles, we’d do a lot to help prevent the oceans from being clogged with plastic debris. When you buy this 100% Organic cotton tee, United by Blue does their part by helping remove one pound of trash from our waterways.
On sale for $26, Mission Savvy

PACT for Japan Light Boy Short
Resolution: I will help those less fortunate. PACT and Architecture for Humanity have teamed up to create this collection of organic undies, which supports the design and construction of a work-house for a cooperative of 15 fishermen in Shizugawa, a town where 70% of the structures were destroyed by the earthquake and tsunami in March. The cute pattern featuring Japanese lanterns is one of three designed by Yves Behar especially for the collection.
$22, PACT

United by Blue Sustainable Seafood Tee
Resolution: I will only consume seafood that is sustainable. When you purchase this 100% Organic cotton T-shirt, you help United by Blue remove a pound of trash from oceans and waterways around the world. When you check out, you can even choose — from one of three cleanup sites — where you want this pound of trash to be removed from. We should all aim to make sure that all the seafood we consume comes from a sustainable source. Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch guide is a great resource that will help you move toward that goal.
$34, United by Blue

peaceBOMB Resolution Wrap
Resolution: I will work toward a more peaceful world. This wrap bracelet is made from vintage silk string from France and a hand cast tag and comes wrapped around a resolution card for you to write down your goal. For each bracelet sold, Project peaceBOMB is able to clear one meter of bomb littered land in areas of Laos previously ravaged by war. Wear it around your wrist as a constant reminder of your resolution (and our collective desire for a more peaceful world).
$16, Project peaceBOMB

The post On Trend: Stylish Resolution Reminders appeared first on EcoSalon.

The Blue Movement begins with being conscious of the ocean’s vital importance.

United by Blue founder Brian Linton attributes “The Blue Movement” to deepwater explorers like Jacques Cousteau, “an avid diver whose own passion for the underwater world transformed a generation,” and to Dr. Sylvia Earle, “whose groundbreaking research continues to inspire a new generation of scientists and discoverers.”

With Cousteau an obvious pick for inspiring ocean love and research, who are the new Blue Movement pioneers? They’re people like Linton and his United by Blue team that not only sell sustainable apparel and jewelry that contribute and support their cause but they get down and dirty themselves and get cleaning. In fact, For every product sold, UBB removes one pound of trash from oceans and waterways through company organized and hosted cleanups.

With the Western and Eastern Pacific Garbage Patches accumulating more plastic trash daily, (scientists estimate its size as two times bigger than Texas), and beaches worldwide feeling the impact of plastic pollution, United by Blue has their work cut out for them.

We caught up with United by Blue founder Brian Linton to see what he had to say regarding the state of The Blue.

Did United by Blue start back in 2006 as a nautically themed clothing and jewelry line and morph into what it is today?

United By Blue evolved from another company called Sand Shack, which sold a line of jewelry and donated a percentage of sales to ocean non-profits. After working on that business for a few years, I realized that I couldn’t really pinpoint any tangible environmental benefit of my monetary donations. I got tired of feeling disconnected from the good work that my donations were going toward, and I decided to develop a business model that would enable me to do good work myself.

When did it change that it became more focused on grass roots cleanups?

United By Blue was officially founded in May 2010 with a line of nautically-inspired, 100% organic t-shirts, 100% organic canvas bags, sterling silver, and artisan-made jewelry. Instead of relying on donations, for every product United By Blue sells, we remove one pound of trash from oceans and waterways around the world through company organized and hosted cleanups. By associating each purchase with the concrete environmental action of removing one pound of trash, we were able to reap two huge benefits. On the one hand, we’re able to clean up a lot of trash. We’ve built the infrastructure to plan and host cleanups within the company, and so far we’ve hosted over 60 cleanups and, with the help of a few thousand volunteers, have removed over 80,000 pounds of trash from oceans and waterways. But one of the really cool benefits of our business model is that it puts the power to turn the tide of ocean pollution into the consumer’s hands. By associating the sale of every product with a concrete environmental action, the brand resonates with many more consumers than those that simply give donations.

So for every one product sold, you remove a pound of trash from oceans and waterways through company organized cleanups. Who are some of the companies that have sponsored you? Is it their company that comes out to clean up and why is it important to them to be aligned with your cause?

At United By Blue, we do our own dirty work. The company that hosts and organizes the cleanups is always United By Blue, and we never rely on sponsors to make our cleanups happen and never accept donations. We rely solely on the sale of our apparel and accessories to make our cleanups happen.

And while we’re not sponsored by any other organization, we’ll frequently partner with other groups. (The more volunteers, the merrier!) In fact, we have partnered with many of our retailers to host cleanups. At retailer and other partner cleanups, however, we’re still the planning and logistics force behind the operation and always have at least one (and usually multiple) UBB staffers present.

Water protection and conservation is for sure the biggest challenge for our planet. When you do these cleanups with partners, is it eye opening for them to see just how bad things are?

Regardless if we are cleaning up along a river in a bustling city or a quiet beach town, our volunteers have the same reaction: shock. We constantly hear volunteers say “I can’t believe how much Styrofoam is here” or “I will never look at a plastic bottle the same way.” We even made a video of volunteers talking about how many plastic bottles they find. People expect to find trees and wildlife along our waterways rather than disgusting amounts of plastic bottles and bags, cans, Styrofoam, food packaging or tires. Our volunteers are also shocked by some of the weird things we’ve discovered along the way like a stolen car in Baltimore or a 1998 Bachelor’s diploma in Brooklyn.

Our ocean conservation efforts aren’t just confined to our cleanups, we strive to be as ocean-friendly in everyday actions as possible. Our products are 100% organic, which means no pesticides or chemicals entered our waterways because of our products. Instead of shipping our products in plastic, we’ve opted to package our products in bags handcrafted from banana paper fibers, which has reduced plastic in our supply chain by 80%.

Tell us about some other ways you do outreach and education in communities where cleanups are.

We use the cleanups themselves as education vehicles, explaining to volunteers that 14 billion pounds of trash enters our oceans every year and then showing them the amount of bottles, plastic bags, take out containers and debris that litter our shores is quite the eye-opener. After the cleanups, our volunteers become blue movement ambassadors. Many of them return home and permanently change their habits.

After each cleanup, we post pictures and videos with volunteer testimonials to our facebook, website, and youtube to show examples of how much and the kind of stuff we find. For those who can’t make it to the cleanups, we offer a wide range of education opportunities about important ocean issues through our website. Frequently, our t-shirts themselves carry messages of nautical nostalgia as well as well as important ocean issues like sustainable seafood, alternative energy and our popular shark-finning design.

Tell us about the significance of your company’s name.

Whether we live on California beaches or Kansas plains, whether we spend our summers kayaking around the San Juan Islands or relaxing on rolling hills of Appalachia, all of our lives are directly dependent on the oceans. Oceans are the foundations for the eco-system that is planet earth. Geologically, gastronomically, biologically, and psychologically, we all depend on our oceans…we are all United By Blue.

Images: United by Blue

The post Interview: The United by Blue (Movement) appeared first on EcoSalon.