Last week I provided some eco-fashion options for pastels, a key spring 2010 runway trend. This time it’s on to ruffles. Very girlie, right? I might have to quickly cover the “tribal chic” trend to balance everything out a bit…

A favorite fashion site of mine, Second City Style, also gave a nod to ruffles and I loved the image they pulled from Valentino’s show to represent the trend (pictured above).

A couple eco-fashion options to incorporate some frills into your wardrobe:

Handknit tank (on major sale!): Lara Miller, Meadow Tank

Jersey top: Kelly B, Bailey Keyhole Blouse

(Image via SecondCityStyle.com / Style.com)

Sustainable Inspiration category: These entries showcase popular looks or designs that have been posted on other blogs, shown in magazines or elsewhere, and then link to sustainable design options that can be purchased to style the look similarly. Always look for eco options to create your favorite looks when you can!

After reading through the January issue of Harper’s Bazaar and reviewing their top trends for 2010, I think my favorite might be pastels and flesh tones. I don’t really wear many light colors (I guess I rarely wear color at all, to be honest.) But, I’m thinking 2010 might be a good time to lighten up.

Some eco-fashion options out there right now (plenty more to come closer to spring I’m sure):

Tank dress: Dream & Awake, Rain Dress

Wrap dress: SDN, Angel Flutter Dress

Jersey dress: Lara Miller, Chelly Dress

Blouse dress: Fin Oslo, Jersey Blouse Dress

Silk cami top: Edun, Zig Zag Cami

(Images via Harpersbazaar.com)

Sustainable Inspiration category: These entries showcase popular looks or designs that have been posted on other blogs, shown in magazines or elsewhere, and then link to sustainable design options that can be purchased to style the look similarly. Always look for eco options to create your favorite looks when you can!

I knew I wanted some sparkle and shine for New Year’s Eve this year. But I refuse to buy most any sequin or sparkly item new for a couple reasons. The garment is most likely not made with organic or sustainable materials, and I rarely wear “sparkle and shine” clothing so I don’t want to invest a great deal of money. The best way to go in this situation is thrifting or vintage boutique shopping. There have been plenty of sequin and sparkle items produced already and subsequently discarded to end up in thrift or vintage shops. No need to support fast fashion and buy a cheap, poorly made holiday dress–no need!!

I consulted with my friend Monica of The MidWasteland (my go-to vintage guru) and she sent me to Very Best Vintage on Chicago Avenue. I quickly and easily found a dress I’m thrilled with–it’s the blue sparkly number featured in the top left photo. A cute little shift dress, with a zipper in the back and a tie for the waist or as an accessory. In my mind I had visions of dresses similar to the other two pictured–frocks from Forever 21’s website. I’m so happy with my find and even happier that I did not need to go anywhere near Forever 21, Zara or H&M to find my outfit. Or break my budget.

(Photos on right from Forever 21)

Sustainable Inspiration category: These entries showcase popular looks or designs that have been posted on other blogs, shown in magazines or elsewhere, and then link to sustainable design options that can be purchased to style the look similarly. Always look for eco options to create your favorite looks when you can!

Image via garancedore.fr

Beautiful image from Garance Doré’s site. Sometimes all you need is a lovely white blouse. (And maybe striking hair too…) An important aspect of creating a more sustainable, conscious wardrobe is finding pieces that you will always have a need for. Pieces that will never fail you. Like a classic white blouse.

My two eco option picks:

White blouse: Zoica Matei, Andrea Blouse

White blouse: Bergman’s, Blouse

Sustainable Inspiration category: These entries showcase popular looks or designs that have been posted on other blogs, shown in magazines or elsewhere, and then link to sustainable design options that can be purchased to style the look similarly. Always look for eco options to create your favorite looks when you can!

In Sustainable Inspiration I plan to find a street style shot, magazine spread or other inspiring photo and then supply you with places to find similar sustainable design options. Pretty simple. The main point being that it’s not as difficult, as some still think, to find stylish and current eco-fashion outfits. Yes, there are not as many options to choose from and there are some significant product gaps. But it’s certainly worth the effort to look for eco-fashion choices first.

I was browsing through Elle.com the other evening and came across this shot from their November 18th, New York Street Chic entry. I like the look because it’s simple and classic, and very similar to outfits I wear daily.

Here are the eco options I found for creating this look (Note – some items chosen may be very limited in stock, therefore not available at the time you are viewing this post.):

Black pea/dress coat: Vaute Couture, Vaute Coat

Simple solid color dress: Spun, Cowl Neck Dress

Black belt with gold accent: Vintage Belt on Etsy

Black tights: Maggie’s, Organic Cotton Tights

Black flat/motorcycle boots: Greenbees, Emma Boot

(Image via elle.com)

Sustainable Inspiration category: These entries showcase popular looks or designs that have been posted on other blogs, shown in magazines or elsewhere, and then link to sustainable design options that can be purchased to style the look similarly. Always look for eco options to create your favorite looks when you can!