How do I know it’s summer? I hear bees and see flowers blooming; I’m working out because that beach vacation is looming. I watch baby birds as they learn to fly; I welcome new beginnings into my life.

And yes, I write terrible jingles that barely rhyme.

Actually, I know summer is upon us because all of a sudden I’m in the mood for dresses. All I want is to bare my legs and to wear strappy sandals. I’ve gathered some of my favorite sexy frocks for frolicking your way through the next few months:

Elroy Larkspur Dress

Don’t be fooled by the basic looks of this little knit dress. Not only does the low v-back say sexy but the long gathered “scarf” that connects to a side seam creates an entirely sensational dress with tons of possibilities. The aqua, chocolate and white are 95% modal and 5% spandex, while the black and royal blue versions are 100% bamboo knit jersey. Find it in sizes XS to L for $122 at Elroy.

Lara Miller Tiered Ronnie Dress

There’s not much to say other than simply stunning when looking at this dress made of organic cotton and bamboo. You might also call it short, sexy and sleeveless in a dirty periwinkle blue they call Iron. Oh, and it’s available in x-small, small and medium for $297 at Nimli.

Doucette Duvall Milly Dress

I adore the red and white checked print of the Milly Dress and its tilt toward the traditional, but it’s the open back with big white buttons that seals the deal. This frock can go just about anywhere melding modern, feminine and mystery. Made from 100% cotton rescued from a mill in Spain, you’ll find it in sizes 2, 6 and 8 for $370 at The Violet Hour.

Organic Zip Front Dress

I happened to be at Fred Segal this past weekend and found myself trying on this dress by Organic. Soft as a baby’s bum, it’s made of 100% biodegradable cupro with a zipper running down the front. The combination of floral, feminine and metal zipper is très sexy”¦as well as very expensive at $565. Find it in sizes 0 through 8 at Fred Segal or online at shopbop.

Eco-Ganik Criss Cross Finale Dress

This long, low cut gown is the epitome of elegant, yet it’s casual enough for a hot summer day. The Bora Flora print is earthy and glamorous; the material is woven 100% bamboo and the criss-cross in its name happens at the back (see top image). It’s available in sizes x-small, small and medium for $273 at Nimli.

FIN Goddess Bamboo Dress

What attracted me to this silky number from FIN is the flowing, almost water-like appearance of the 100% organic bamboo fabric. The gathered detail in the front makes for a form-fitting bodice and feminine streamlined shape. I’m a fan of FIN also because of their overall commitment to carbon neutrality and Fair Trade practices. Find it in sizes 4 through 10 for $432 at Equita.

Loyale Valencia Mini

I showcased a bikini by Loyale in this purplish floral print and everyone loved it, so here’s the same organic cotton and low impact dye floral print in a mini dress. “Flirty and fitted” and the perfect piece to throw on for a date or lunch with friends, it’s available in sizes XS to L for $178 at Loyale. (And for those of you who shy away from anything “mini”, there’s a longer version available for $196).

Edun Andie Shift Dress

This tailored shift dress is suitable for work or play, evening or day. The vertical stripes accentuate the longitude of a woman’s body, while the subtle slit up one leg along with the sequin detailed shoulders make for one sassy, sophisticated outfit. Add a pair of simple black pumps and va va vooom. Of course it’s eco – 100% sustainable cotton, fairly traded and sweatshop-free. Find it in sizes x-small, small and medium on sale for $215 (from $325) at Equita.

Beau Soleil Beau Guard Dress

Here’s a slinky, one-shouldered maxi that’s worthy of a head turn or two, if you ask me. 100% bamboo and simply black, the Beau Guard showcases a sexy metal ring on the shoulder that holds the back and front together. I love a dress that screams sexy while leaving so much to the imagination. It’s available in sizes petite, small and medium for $250 at Nimli.

Sublet Catherine Dress

Last but definitely far from least, this dress from Sublet says classic and functional without being b o r i n g. Covered in pleats made of 30% organic cotton, 67% bamboo and 3% spandex for that special stretch, the Catherine sways and clings in just the right places. Find it in sizes x-small through large in three creamy colors, for $280 at Sublet.

Now I’m really in the mood for summer, aren’t you?

A friend of mine wants to keep it hush-hush when her daughter is gifted a hand-me-down dress, as if wearing used garb signifies poverty or shame that might not fly in her affluent social circle.

My friend is a European whose family often struggled to make ends meet. And although she keeps it all in the closet, she accepts these offerings for all of the right reasons: they are clean and usually in perfectly good condition; It’s wasteful to go out and buy a new outfit when you can recycle; people who snub second hand goods are snobs. She may aspire to the don’t ask, don’t tell policy, but she knows better.

In fact, there’s a entire culture of thrifty moms who surf newspaper classified ads, Craigslist and Ebay to locate gently-used clothing and objects for their children. Seizing on this trend, an emerging site called handmedowns provides a one-stop destination condensing all of the shopping sites into one.  It combines the listings from the top five classified sites with original postings from trusted hand-me-down users.

It’s a brilliant idea because recycling clothes is good for us and for the shaky economy. The credit goes to two Hollywood dynamos: Norah Weinstein, a lawyer and mom who also founded The Hollywood Reporter, ESQ, and Jane Buckingham, who authored the bestselling Modern Girls Guide to Life.

“The sites that were out there had some great listings, but were simply not designed with a parent in mind,”  remembers Weinstein, who tired of sifting through torn, stained cast-a-ways on the web. “Our goal is to raise the bar for children’s classifieds and create a more family-friendly atmosphere.”

Buckingham adds they are saving parents time and money by pulling together safe, user-friendly products. Safety, they say, is heavily promoted to stay on top of government product recalls.

When you visit the site, you can click on your location and what you are shopping for (clothing for girls, boys, toys) and the age range. In terms of clothing, from layette to child sizes, you will find everything from shoes to winter outerwear and cute little legging outfits. There also are categories for selling, donating or giving your items away for free.

As the founders put it: “Once you start shopping at handmedowns, it may be hard to buy at retail prices again.”

It’s great news for kids who don’t have older siblings or cousins. I never met a kid who didn’t smile when I handed them something one of my girls had worn, from party dresses to ski parkas. For some, it’s even more special knowing your new posession was loved so well.

Image: manuel

The party parade of 2008 seems to have a much mellower mood than recent years, most likely due to the trying times we’re facing. My company “toned down” this year’s soiree (a.k.a. spent less money), but fun was still had by all. Rather than get all dolled up in suits and fancy frocks, we wore our work attire with an added sparkle here or there.

A simple party calls for a simple slip of a dress. Stewart & Brown’s aptly named Party Dress is just what this season ordered. It’s subtle and leaves plenty to the imagination, showing just enough skin to be tempting. The neckline is square but the back plunges loosely, while the waist is cinched with a single tie. Made of 60% hemp and 40% silk, it has eco written all over it. We expect nothing less from Stewart & Brown! Available in sizes 2 through 8 at Beklina for $220.

Be the life of any party, or at least the eye candy, with this simple dress.

I already know there’s a reader out there who will find this post extravagant, excessive and possibly even outrageous.
And if that reader is you, rest assured that I can hear you already. You’re saying things like “don’t waste our time. It’s ridiculous to pay that for a dress or a coat, when the sky is falling and the globe is warming”. Gulp. Here I go anyway.

Why am I going on about a line of eco-friendly clothing and the Florence, Alabama-based company that sells it, when I can smell the impending controversy? Well, maybe I love controversy; but mainly I just adore this Revolution Circle Appliqué Dress.

The company, Alabama Chanin, rocks…as does their entire collection of lifestyle products. They’re all about sustainability, from their business model to the types of craftsmen and artisans they choose to work with. Unique, one of a kind and hand-made describe Alabama Chanin’s products…and of course organic and recycled. A focus on tradition and design techniques handed down for generations allows for exceptional quality and attention to detail. A perfect example is the dress (*swoon*).

Made of 100% organic cotton with 3/4 sleeves, the Revolution Circle Appliqué Dress has a fitted bodice with a flowy A-line skirt. The bottom two-thirds of the dress is decorated with faded grey appliqué stitched in a circle pattern that is just lovely. Absolute perfection in my humble opinion. And it better be, for the $2350 it will cost to possess such an eco-frock.

They offer other pieces in their collection – all of which are gorgeously gathered and delicately detailed in just the right way. The stitching on this Revolution Double Breasted Coat adds a special touch. And I can’t resist showing you the Revolution Minis Long Coat and its $10,500 worth of scrumptiousness. Made of 100% organic cotton and covered with zillions of tiny square fabric appliqués in various shades of grey, it looks like a coat covered in jewels. Wow.

In a more reasonable price range, but still pricey, are the Elm Wrap Shirt, the Striped Swing Skirt and the Ruffled Cardigan. All organic, all hand-made and exquisitely unique.

I dare you to adore Alabama Chanin. I do.

I love a nice evening dress, but truth be told, I don’t have a cocktail party every night of the week (or any night of the week, for that matter). What I do need is a stylish dress that I can wear during daylight hours – nothing too short or sexy, just something that is flattering and eco-friendly, too.

This Nature vs Future organic cotton double-breasted sweater dress caught my eye. Eggplant, as we all know, is one of this season’s hottest colors (Fall Color Trend: Purple), but it’s a gorgeous color to invest in regardless of current trends. The three-quarter sleeve and knee-length hem make for a proportioned look and the turtleneck will keep you toasty. Finally, a dress that fits all the criteria with room left over to buy lunch. ($203)

One of our writers is fortunate enough to live in the beautiful state of Hawaii, but most of us are stuck on the other side approaching the short, cold days of winter. Well, if you want a little taste of the islands without having to pay for the flight, we’ve got Roberta Oaks. While most of the designer’s collection is meant for warmer climates, I found a few pieces that bridge the gap between hot and cold.

Try the Rudi ($168) or Adrian ($170, shown above) dresses in harvest gold, both made of bamboo and organic cotton. If you’re looking for a soft winter white, try the Bertie ruffled dress, also in bamboo ($182). Finally, if you’re looking for that perfectly metallic holiday dress, opt for the Meilin ($172) and add some sparkle to your celebration. Whatever you choose, Roberta Oaks will help bring a paradise breeze into your wardrobe on the mainland to get through the long chill ahead.

I can’t help but feel more like a girly-girl when my ridges have ruffles. Maybe that’s why the layered trim look is so alluring for fall. The eye-catching Juicy Couture modal dress from S Sense proves y’all can be a Georgia peach and hot tomato at the same time. You grow, girl!

Now, you won’t catch me in lacy bloomers but I’d certainly don any one of these frilly dresses and separates. The reason? They’re frilly but not silly. Instead, they flaunt soft and sophisticated lines.

Demure meets knock-out in Kate Organic ’s Julianne Dress ($150) at The Green Loop. And what could be more angelic than the ruffled sleeve of this choirgirl’s tunic from Camilla Noorback?

Keep warm and trendy in these ruffled wraps, including a Lilac cardi from Indigenous Designs, a fair trade and organic line; an elongated and ultra flowy red Alpaca Duster ($249) and Tweedy Wrap scarf ($59 from VivaTerra), and the White and Warren Ruffle Wrap in black or camel ($275).

 

The Ruffled Cloud Scarf ($89), also from VivaTerra (below) makes a soft, ethereal statement in a watercolored palette. The Lilac ruffled tank from Soul Flower ($18) is great for layering, as is the Stewart+Brown eco cashmere cami ($75) at The Green Loop.

Even if you’re preggers you can still crave ruffles. Slip on this two-tiered, Tutu dress by Nest by Swanky ($75) and it’s just like when you went to the prom with that guy with the afro in platforms (of course, now it’s okay to have a bun in that chiffon oven).

It was late July when Allison told us in her post The New Nau, not to worry, the eco-clothing brand Nau would be back. And she was right. Having been rescued out of its pending demise by the Santa Barbara-based clothing company Horny Toad, the new Nau is ready to roll. The entire Fall ‘08 product line premiers this week on Nau’s newly designed website.

What we came to know and love about the old Nau has only gotten better. The company proudly remains true to its sustainable design philosophy and has successfully refined its “innovative blend of beauty, performance and sustainability.”

The recycled poly Profile Fleece Hoody (approx $200) actually gives fleece a sexy name. And speaking of sexy, this cashmere/angora Flourish Dress ($248) has a high collar, side pocket and ribbed trim that make it an essential part of any winter wardrobe. If a trench is on your list, the Modus ($425) is made from recycled post-consumer and post-industrial polyester waste. Hard to believe something so “trashy” could be so stylish and protect you from wind, rain and grime.

Plus, for the first time starting in November, Nau will be available at select retailers across the U.S. I can’t wait to see how the future unfolds for Nau…now.

Shown above: Scape jacket

Sometimes, the complexities of fashion boil down to just one word: fit.

We’ve all seen that gorgeous dress, looming in decadent splendor on the botique floor, only to try it on and – flop. Frei Designs aim to provide unparalleled fit, inspired by deep study of the history of dress. With inspiration from current trends and time-tested construction, the pieces are both high-design and wearable. This shows in their hand-dyed creations and elegant embellishment.

This deep ruby dress from their Fall 2008 collection borrows some elements from 19th century design but adds relaxed, gentle volume for a modern fusion. The result is uncommon – and fitting.

So states the playful tagline of a hot eco fashion house. Eco designer Twice Shy pays homage to the world’s first fashion icons: Adam and Eve. Likely feeling quite shy indeed, clad only in those fig leaves, these two iconic muses set the stage for a model of sustainable fashion. (Fig leaves, are, after all, a sustainable and 100% natural "textile".)

However, the watchwords of Twice Shy are not so shy at all – fun, saucy and boldly earth-centered. Twice Shy has built a repertoire on gorgeous organic bamboos and cottons with an irresistible artisan attention to detail. There’s a range for the whole family – Fig is for children and features organic textiles and friendly fits. The women’s line features expertly constructed, tailored and lightweight menswear-esque vests, jackets, suiting and plenty of feminine casual wear, as well. All very flattering and nothing to be shy about at all.