Black and white is one of the hottest trends this spring. Get inspired by Louis Vuitton, chess boards and harlequin squares.

One of the hottest trends this spring is, without a doubt, the combination of black and white. The good news is that it’s very easy to copy, and that garments in these basic colors are very unlikely to go out of style. Get inspired by Marc Jacobs’ Spring RTW collection for Louis Vuitton, featuring large checks and harlequin patterns.

1. Zebra Stripe Gilet Sweater by Edun
Made in Africa, this Zebra stripe gilet sweater has a vibe that is both very current and very retro. Made from 100 percent wool, it will also keep you warm during those cold few months we have left until spring comes again. If you want to totally channel the Louis Vuitton-style head-to-toe look, there’s a matching skirt that you can pair this top with.
$148, Edun

2. Vans Checkerboard Slip-Ons
These classic slip-ons by Vans need no formal introduction. They have become part of skate culture and contemporary style, proving their iconoclastic relevance from the street to the fashion pages all around the world. “Their popularity comes from unmatched quality,” the company says, “and they have hence become a big time influence on our Off The Wall efforts to innovate, every step of the way.”
$47, Vans

3. Berlin Harlequin Messenger by The Sway
This handcrafted, made-to-order bag allows you to channel the harlequin trend while still ensuring that you are investing in something that will stand the test of time. The discrete pattern is made of high quality reclaimed patchwork leather and suede. Double trend points for the recycled cotton lining, which features a great black a white pattern.
$418, The Sway

4. Trigo Vertical Clutch by VOZ
This cute little clutch features an eye-catching black and white crisscross pattern. It’s made from 100 percent all natural wool, lined with 100 percent cotton, and naturally dyed with mud, berries and herbs. VOZ, which means “voice” in Spanish, “translates rich indigenous craft into contemporary styles, creating change through beauty.” Through design education and innovation workshops, the company empowers Mapuche weavers in Southern Chile, offering a new voice for their exquisite art form and a way for them to earn a living.
$189, VOZ Apparel

5. Stevie OTK Tassel Platform Boot by Cri de Coeur
These vegan boots give a nod to luxurious 70s style with slouched ultra-suede upper and platform heel. They’re made in an ethical, sweat-shop free factory in China and, despite the 4-inch heel, comfortable as can be. The tassel is an unexpected detail that gives these boots some attitude. And for you crafty people out there, here’s a great DIY project to spice up a pair of boots you already have.
$125, Cri de Coeur

6. Flare Top & Short Short by Titania Inglis
New York-based designer Titania Inglis’ is a master of stylish minimalism and totally nailed the black and white trend in her Spring 2013 collection. This flare top is made from hand-painted Italian silk/organic cotton twill and has a vegetable-tanned leather overlay. Pair with short shorts, made from raw Japanese organic cotton denim.
Available for pre-order: Titania Inglis

Collages by Johanna Björk. Top photo via style.com

The post On Trend: 6 Black and White Styles for Spring appeared first on EcoSalon.

A new collaboration between Vans and Krochet Kids international features hand crocheted shoes that help lift women in Africa out of poverty.

Krochet Kids international and Vans have joined forces for a special summer collaboration. The mini collection features two styles of Vans’ popular Bixie shoe, adorned with colorful crochet panels.

Krochet Kids international is a non-profit organization that teaches women in developing nations how to crochet hats, scarves, bowties and more, and enrolls them in a comprehensive program that teaches them to rise above poverty. This is the first time the company has tried their hand at making shoes, which are all, like the beanies Krochet Kids are famous for, hand crocheted in Uganda. Each piece features the signature of the woman that made them, and you can go to Krochet Kids’ website to find out more about her.

Besides these shoes being perfect for summer, we love that the body is made with 100% natural hemp and canvas, includes a removable and washable foot bed (which makes the shoe last longer) and is made with water based inks and glues.

The shoes are available in select stores across the country and online at Nordstrom. Watch this video to learn more about the collaboration.

The post Krochet Kids X Vans: Empowering Women Through Craft appeared first on EcoSalon.

Just to bring you up to speed for a minute – Father’s Day is June 20th! This year, get your dad a gift he’ll love, while leaving a lighter footprint on the planet with your purchase. We’ve got suggestions that will suit all types of dads, from the stay at home dad and surfer dude, to the tech-savvy businessman, the sports fan and the sentimental softie. From wooden headphones and hip daddy diaper bags made from plastic bottles, to hemp surf shoes and green soccer jerseys, everything on our list is sustainably designed and sure to be a huge hit with your pop!

Thinksound Headphones

For dads who love their ‘toys,’ and are always in sync with their iPhone and other gadgets, a pair of Thinksound headphones will be the ultimate gift. The company surpasses its goal to “create incredible sounding headphones with the smallest eco-footprint possible.” My husband is a self-professed audiophile, music connoisseur and former DJ, and he gives thinksound headphones – which he uses with his iPhone – two big thumbs up for their pure sound and clarity. These high definition headphones are made of real wood from renewable sources and deliver a crisp, natural resonance and unparalleled acoustics. They also feature passive noise cancellation, a 3.5mm gold plated plug, and they are PVC free. We hear Thinksound‘s tag line loud and clear: “clear sound, with a clearer conscience.” The headphones come in black chocolate or silver cherry wood and they retail for $99.99.

Green Dude Diaper Bag from Diaper Dude

Equip earth-friendly daddies with the ultimate hip and masculine diaper bag: the Green Dude Diaper Bag from Diaper Dude! This messenger style bag is functional and fashionable, and each bag is made from 25 16 oz. sized recycled plastic water bottles. A dad on the go won’t forget to pack baby’s essentials because the vivid orange interior features a daddy checklist to keep him on track. Bottle? Check. Diapers? Check. Saving the planet by toting an eco-conscious diaper bag? Check. Additional features include a changing pad, a padded shoulder strap, insulated bottle holder, cell phone holder, and more! Priced at $98 each.

100 Percent Recycled Silver Custom Necklace or Ring from Heart and Stone Jewelry

Why should moms be the only ones who get to wear their kids’ names close to their heart? Dads can get in on the keepsake charm action with custom designed 100 percent recycled silver necklaces and rings from Heart and Stone Jewelry. You can design a necklace or ring yourself on the Heart and Stone website, making this jewelry a truly unique and meaningful gift dad will treasure. Prices vary based on design.

Lil Davinci Art Cabinet Frame

Refrigerator doors everywhere can let out a sigh of relief with the introduction of the Lil Davinci art cabinet from Dynamic FRAMES. Now doting dads can instantly frame their childrens’ artwork and store up to fifty previous 8 1/2 x 11 sized creations in the cabinet behind the framed masterpiece of the moment. Less clutter, less waste, and kids will revel in watching dad frame their prized art on a rotating basis. The frame itself is sustainably made from scrap wood. Priced at $25.

Ergo Organic Baby Carrier

The babywearing trend isn’t just for green mamas. Dads can tote their tots all over town in a comfortable carrier, and bond with their little ones in a whole new fashion. The Ergo organic baby carrier is ergonomically designed to provide proper back support for wearers, and safe and healthy positioning for babies and toddlers. Dads can carry their precious cargo on their chest, back or hip with this versatile carrier, which is made from organic cotton. These carriers range from $120-$148.

Sustainably Designed Hemp and Recycled PET VANS Surf Sneakers

VANS aren’t just for kids and teens. Totally tubular green dads can ride the wave of eco-consciousness by leaving a lighter footprint in VANS surfer shoes made from recycled PET (recycled plastic bottles) or Hemp (hemp is a renewable resource and is not treated with pesticides). Both collections feature organic cotton textiles and an array of styles and color options that will suit every father’s taste. Their Ortholite midsoles are constructed from recycled car tires, the inner lining is comprised of Dri-lex bamboo, and the water-based glues and inks used to compose these kicks are biodegradable and more environmentally sound. The manufacturing of these green VANS reduces waste production in half. Only $60 a pair.

World Cup Soccer Jersey

If your dad is a sports aficionado, you probably already know that the 2010 World Cup is this month. Buy him this official USA home soccer jersey to wear his love of the game on his sleeve. In addition to boast-worthy construction, keeping wearers cool and sweat free, this jersey is also made from plastic bottles (100 percent recycled polyester), which is a total score. You can even customize it with dad’s name, number or patch! Priced at $70.

Image: kwanie

The post Spectacular Father’s Day Gifts, Minus the Ties and Paperweights appeared first on EcoSalon.