White Apricot

OUR BEST LISTS

 

We're constantly checking out the best of the best of everything from eco friendly clothing and green accessories to natural and organic skin care. Below are lists of our favorites in a variety of eco and socially conscious categories. Keep checking back because we'll be adding more of these lists regularly. Got an idea for a Top Picks List, email us at storyideas@whiteapricot.com.

 

 

FOR THE HOST AND HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTEST

 

Your mother always told you never to show up empty-handed, but she never told you what you should bring to those holiday parties coming up. Flowers, although beautiful, require the host or hostess

 

 

 

 

LAYERS OF SUBSTANCE

 

One of our favorite trends this season is the resurrection of the blazer. No longer associated with prep school snobs, the blazer has relaxed and quit taking itself so seriously. From the slouchy boyfriend variety to a more traditional fitted cut, we love these eco friendly styles for their ease

 

 

 

 

 

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL

 

Well-dressed women seem to have one thing in common — they know how to accessorize. They understand what the right necklace, earring or other bauble can do to an everyday outfit. With this season’s jewelry making a bold statement, achieving that perfectly accessorized look

 

 

 

 

 

BIKER CHIC

 

Our Top Eco Friendly Styles to Get Your Motor Runnin - The latest fall trend is embracing all that’s good about looking “bad.” It falls somewhere between Joan Jett and Hell’s Angels and relies heavily on leather, spikes, and chains. At first glance, it is not a trend that appears to lend itself to the green way of life. But, look a little closer and you will find that these eco fashion essentials will

 

 

BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

 

Let the Best Eco Friendly Coats and Wraps of the Season Keep You Toasty Warm - Is there anything better than snuggling up in a warm winter coat when the temperatures begin to drop? It’s kind of like enveloping

 

 

 

 

SUPPORT YOUR BREASTS

 

Boobies, ta-tas, jugs, hooters, rack. Call them anything you want if it makes you less inhibited when it comes to talking about your breasts. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and there is no better time to get acquainted with your own pair. According to the National Cancer Institute, one in every eight women will develop breast cancer within her lifetime.

 

 

 

A VESTED INTEREST IN FASHION

 

If you are going to purchase one transitional eco fashion piece this season, may we recommend investing in the vest? Designers have a vested interest in this classic look for fall and are offering vests in a variety of sizes, shapes and fabrications. From fitted and tailored to relaxed and slouchy

 

 

 

 

 

 

GET ON YOUR BOOTS

 

Our Top 10 Picks for the Long and Short of the Season’s Hottest Eco and Vegan Styles - Sure, it may be the title of one of our favorite U2 songs, but it is also the mantra of fashionistas everywhere this fall. If there is room for only one new addition to your fall wardrobe

 

 

 

 

 

 

RED-DY FOR FALL

 

Ready or not, fall is here, and some of our favorite eco fashion designers are infusing the season with a bold shot of red. No muddy maroons or boring burgundies here! We are talking attention grabbing, fire engine, candy apple, lipstick red that demands to be noticed

 

 

MAD ABOUT PLAID

 

What do you think of when you think of plaid? The 1980s? Golfers? Grunge rockers? Plaid may be all of those things but, this fall, plaid is everything. In fact, if you don’t add at least one plaid item to your wardrobe this seasonr

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOT NEW HANDBAGS

 

While waiting patiently for the fall eco fashion collections to hit the stores, we started to have retail withdrawal. So, we decided to search the web for a little something that we could buy now to tide us over

 

 

 

 

 

ANCHORS AWEIGH

 

Ahoy there! Listen up! You still have a few weeks before summer is officially over. Why not get on board with one of the season’s hottest trends — the nautical look. Even if you are a certified landlubber

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUMMER DENIM

 

If there is one fabric that is loved by the masses, it is denim. This perennial favorite is constantly being reinvented, from the bell bottoms of the 70's to the straight legs of the 80's to the grunge-esque ripped up 90's versions and finally to the dark, skinny and distressed styles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPER SUMMER SAVINGS

 

Out with the old, in with the new! Yep — believe it or not, fall is just around the corner and the fashions are popping up in department stores and boutiques .

 

 

 

THE GREEN LITTLE BLACK DRESS

 

CoCo Chanel, the woman credited for introducing the little black dress (LBD) into the forefront of fashion once said, “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”  We think the perfect LBD helps her accomplish both.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHELL SHOCKED

 

Not since David Cassidy made pooka shells sexy, have these trinkets from the sea been in such high demand. The perfect statement accessory for summer, shell jewelry has come a long way from the souvenir anklets you collected on spring break. This is grown-up jewelry that reflects the wearer’s unique sense of style and appreciation for nature’s beauty.

 

 

 

 

WHITE HOT

 

When the weather is hot, nothing looks cooler than white. Crisp and classy, dainty and demure or sexy and sizzling, white is one of the most versatile colors you can wear. Did we mention how well it enhances your summer glow?

 

 

 

 

HEAVY METALS

 

If you really want to sparkle and shine this season, turn up the metal. Metallic hues of silver, gold and copper are no longer relegated to the back of the closet and forgotten until the holiday season.

 

 

 

 

AMERICAN STYLE

 

When our founding fathers wrote the Declaration of Independence 233 years ago, they gave us the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Pursuing happiness can mean different things to different people. For some, happiness comes from making a difference to future generations by preserving our environment.

 

 

 

BEACHY-KEEN ECO FRIENDLY BAGS

 

As you head to the beach or pool this summer, don’t forget your sunscreen…and your hat and your sunglasses and your towel and your trashy novel and... and… and… Make it easy on yourself (and the planet) by toting all your beach gear in one of these eco fashion tote bags. As pretty as they are practical, these bags will hold all your beach essentials without weighing you down. We think that’s beachy-keen! 

 

 

 

SUMMER OF LOVE - GET THE BOHO LOOK ECO STYLE

 

What goes around comes around and, with all the Boho fashions filling the stores, it looks like the summer of love is here again. But, the look is more than just embroidery, appliqués and tie-dye — it’s an attitude, a way of life. It’s peace, love and rock-n-roll, baby, and its all eco friendly clothes and accessories. Not sure if this is the look for you? Try it! All we are saying…is give these a chance. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GREAT GREEN GRAPHIC TEES

 

Is there any better wardrobe staple than a great t-shirt? Whether it’s old and ratty from your college days or snug and sexy for a night out, the perfect tee just feels “right” every time it touches your skin. It’s like a hug from an old friend. And, when you pair it with your favorite jeans—well, it just doesn’t get any better than that. While there are hundreds of great eco fashion t-shirts out there, we decided to hone in on tees with cool graphics that will quickly win your heart and a place in your wardrobe

 

 

BLACK AND WHITE AND GREEN ALL OVER

 

The stark contrast of black and white is timeless, classic and, thanks to these eco fashion designers, safe for the planet.  It is a never-fail combination that can go from the boardroom to the ballroom and anywhere in between. This season black and white is making a statement against the sea of blues and pops of pink. Powerful without being overpowering, basic but never boring, the following designs show just how colorful life can be in black and white.

 

 

 

ONE PIECE WONDERS!

 

How odd that designers should resurrect something that immediately calls to mind such tragic fashion trends but, with the reintroduction of leggings, we can’t say that we are too surprised. What we are pleasantly surprised about is the variety of styles, lengths and fabrics that have made this new generation of eco fashion one piece wonders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

GET YOUR PINK ON!

 

Why do you think some people like to view the world through rose-colored glasses? It’s simple — pink makes everything look a little brighter, a little fresher and a little happier. Don’t believe us? Add some of this season’s "IT" color to your eco fashion wardrobe and watch what happens. You’ll be tickled pink! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHOW MOM YOU CARE WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK… OR SPLURGE IF YOU MUST!

 

Mother’s Day is upon us once again. While we love to honor mom, this year might be a little tougher to show her how much we care and keep the costs down. Of course, you could make her breakfast in bed, take her to the park for a picnic or make a wonderful Mother’s Day dinner.

 

 

 

 

EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY

 

What’s the big deal about April 22? We know it’s Earth Day and, don’t get us wrong, we are glad for the attention it brings to environmental issues. But, what we want to know is what about April 23, 24, 25 and so on? Why do we have only one day designated to educate people and encourage them to become aware of the environment and what we can do to preserve and protect our resources? For the following companies, every day is Earth Day.

 

 

 

 

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY IN EARTH TONES

 

What better way to say Happy Earth Day than by wearing eco friendly clothes inspired by nature’s palette? We’re not talking bland or boring — earth tones can range from the deep browns of the forest to the sandy tones of the beach. Throw in a splash of terracotta, reminiscent of the earth’s own natural clay, and you are ready to party with the planet-savvy. The fact that our top picks all find ways to respect the environment with eco friendly materials and/or practices is just the icing on the Earth Day cake!

 

 

 

 

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL

 

Not since the 80s have bold graphic prints been this big a focal point of fashion. Thankfully, there is no neon this time around, but there are plenty of bright colors splashed across shirts, dresses and even shoes. If you hate to be the center of attention, this is not the look for you. But if you want to make an eco fashion statement, our top ten graphic prints will show your bold (and socially responsible) side beautifully.

 

 

 

 

 

DRIVEN TO "TIERS"

 

There is nothing worse than looking into your closet and realizing you have nothing to wear for a big night out. But don’t let it get you down — instead, let it drive you to tiers! Reminiscent of the flapper era, tiers have a certain naughty flirtiness about them — as if you never know when they might flare out to reveal a glimpse of great gams or buff shoulders. Sexy and sweet, tiers are one of this season’s hottest looks and eco fashion designers are right on the pulse! But we must stop gushing now — we’re getting tiered up!

 

 

 

THIS SPRING — GET THE BLUES

 

Everyone gets depressed now and then, but this season, more people than ever are reveling in the blues — in their closets, that is! Blue is one of the season’s must-have colors and shades run the gamut, from rich sapphire to soothing ocean, deep midnight to bright azure. Fortunately, these blues don’t require medication — simply a little eco fashion retail therapy. Here is our prescription to help you get and keep the blues all season long.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ONE SHOULDER WONDERS

 

Giving someone the cold shoulder is never a good thing — unless you do it wearing one of these stunning one-shoulder creations. One of spring's hottest eco fashion trends is nothing to shrug off. An asymmetrical line, such as this, is slimming, elongates the neck and, let’s face it, if you want to draw attention from other less flattering areas, showing a sexy toned shoulder is the way to do it. Take our word for it — giving the cold shoulder has never looked so good!

 

 

 

 

 

EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN - 10 Outrageous Deals on Last Spring's Clothes that Still Work This Spring!

 

Don’t be a snob. It doesn’t have to be all about what’s coming for the Spring ‘09 season. There are some amazing discounts to be had right now on eco fashion from Spring ’08. The styles are still totally cute, totally timeless, totally work for this season and, in our totally depressing economy, it’s a great way to juice up your spring wardrobe with some new inexpensive finds. Check out our 10 picks for delightful deals on last spring’s eco friendly clothes and accessories.

 

 

 

TRANSITIONING TO SPRING - 10 Ideas for Transitioning to Spring...

 

Spring will be here before you know it. Daylight Savings Time starts on March 8th…as in this weekend! Eco friendly designers are just starting to roll out production of their spring styles…but the flood gates haven’t opened yet. I always get restless at this time of year. I’m ready to shed the many, heavy layers and bring out the light cardigans and brighter accessories. So, here are 10 easy ideas for starting the transition to spring eco fashion, using the warmer clothes you still have, but pumping them up with some spring touches. It’s for those of you who, like me, stare into your closets every morning and just hate the thought of one more minute in your winter wardrobe.

 

 

FLAT OUT FABULOUS - Our Top 10 Eco Friendly, Socially Conscious and Vegan Shoes of the Flat Variety

 

Shoes might be the most perfect item of clothing. They always fit…Even on your “fat” days, they can completely change the look of that same old outfit and just look what they did for Cinderella! And while we eagerly collect all shapes and styles, this is the time of year that we tend to turn to flats. The perfect answer to that “in-between” boots and sandals time of year, flats are casual enough to wear with jeans, while still maintaining an air of elegance with skirts and dresses. Check out our top ten eco friendly fashion favorites. We flat out love them!

 

 

MUSIC TO OUR EARS - Our Top 10 Eco Friendly Earring Finds

 

A couple of weeks ago, Punxsutawney Phil peeked out of his hole and declared six more weeks of winter. What that means for many of us is that, between scarves, hats and turtlenecks, the only thing we have peeking out is our ears.  What better excuse to jazz them up with some fabulous statement making earrings. The following eco fashion and socially conscious finds are sure to get people talking about something other than the weather.

 

 

TAKE ME AWAY - Our Top 10 Eco Friendly Destination Spas

 

Baby, it’s cold outside…almost everywhere. We don’t know about you, but we’redreaming of tropical climates...or at the very least, warmer climates. So, we're taking a break this week from eco fashion because we could all use something to look forward to…perhaps a retreat to relax and recharge. Now is the perfect time to start planninga get-a-way or even just fanaticizing about one. Why not consider pampering yourself and giving back to the environment, by checking into an eco friendly destination spa to revive your spirits? Our list of top Eco Spas are so sophisticated and indulgent, you may forget they are good for the Planet.

 

 

FEELING THE LOVE - Our Top Eco Friendly Picks for Valentine's Day

 

Dear Cupid:

As February 14 draws near and you load up your bows and (biodegradable) arrows, don your (cloth) diaper and take aim at poor unsuspecting souls, we would like to pose a question: Why does this holiday cause more gift giving anxiety than any other special occasion? We suspect it has something to do with the fear of sending the wrong message. After all, there is a fine line between romantic and sappy, sexy and trashy, cute and just plain silly. Well Cupid, we’ve decided to lend you a hand with this dilemma and offer our suggestions for the perfect eco friendly Valentine’s Day gifts. We hope you will take them to heart.

XOXO

 

STAYING WARM & ECO COOL - 10 Great Coats

 

 

Although spring eco friendly clothes and swimwear may be hitting the stores, the truth is that winter is still going strong. And, believe it or not, somewhere between the shorts and bikinis, a few coats can still be found…some even on sale. This is a great time of year to invest in a new coat and with all the eco friendly and chic styles available, you can keep warm and stay cool all at the same time.

 

 

 

SHOW YOUR PATRIOTISM - Eco Friendly and Red, White and Blue Accessories to Make Your Patriotic Spirit Pop!

 

Come on! We had to do it! While our lovely economy has tried to crush our spirits, it’s still a great time of hope as we inaugurate our new president today, and we should all be thinking about showing our patriotism. So, why not sport the colors! Especially if you’re hitting an inauguration party, whether it’s casual or dressy, it’s nice to show you’re patriotism without overdoing it by wearing a flag dress… Here are our picks for some hot red, white and/or blue eco friendly accessories.

 

 

OUR PICKS FOR THE BEST OF ACCESSORIES IN 2008!

 

Shoes and handbags and jewelry, oh my! Sure, we love clothes, but come on, we’re all obsessed with accessories. And, there were some wonderful designers this year! Whether they worked with recycled materials, vintage accents or eco friendly fabrics, our picks for the top eco friendly accessories designers of 2008 were an amazingly talented bunch! We have to admit it was really tough to narrow it down.