Most of us will be very happy with the trends for Spring this year, as within the new looks are a plethora of shapes and colors that women already love. New takes on classic silhouettes, some very feminine hues and patterns, and a scale back on the crazy shoes of the last year make getting dressed up- or down- a joy. Watch this space as we cover a major Spring trend each week for the next four.

First up, the Little White Dress is a trend for Spring and Summer that everyone can embrace. Whether you're curvy or hipless, whether you prefer modern shapes or superfeminine lace, you should have no trouble finding a LWD that looks great on your body. The best part about this trend is that it's a keeper; just because the LWD is "in" this year doesn't mean that it will ever be "out" in the summers upcoming. Being trendy just means that you should be able to find plenty of choices and find one that works best for you.

Accessorizing the LWD is almost as easy as they are to wear. Look for gold-tone sandals and jewelry, which always pair well with white. For a more graphic look, try a black and white chunky bracelet, or a striped bag. Or layer white-on-white with accents that add interest with texture and pattern, but keep the blanc look.

This gorgeous fitted dress by Dream & Awake is made from deconstructed vintage dresses and has pearl-button details on the pockets. $150 at Kaight.

This Mountains of the Moon Audrey Dress is made from an organic cotton and hemp mix. It's just-above-the-knee hemline and cap sleeves means this frock could fly beautifully as a summer work dress if paired with heels and a jacket, or could work as weekend wear too. $88 at The Greenloop.

Made from organic cotton, this sleeveless stunner is a little bit sexy, but comfy too, due to the gathers below the empire waist (not to mention an extremely flattering cut).  The Sublet Ashley Dress is $242 at The Greenloop.

This beautiful one-of-a-kind dress by Armour Sans Anguish is made from upcycled lace and fabrics. With a gorgeous 20's feel, it's available at BTC Elements for $180.

A perfect wardrobe staple for summer, this organic cotton tube dress by Kelly B can be dressed way up with heels and a killer necklace, or down with flip flops and a lightweight cardi. Available at BTC Elements for $48.

Perfect accessories for a LWD: a woven graphic bag by JADEtribe made from recycled materials, or a shimmery gold evening bag (that can also double as a chic fanny pack) made from recycled snakeskin by Yana.

 

 

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In the Eco-Tote Explosion of 2010 (ranked right up there with the Cupcake Revolution of 2009), every celeb who could shake a shoulder was sporting a green bag. Naturally, celebrities and their favorite designers were quick to jump on this trend. But since mere mortals can't or won't pay $495 for a Stella McCartney organic cotton shopper, (I paid a buck for mine from Trader Joe's,) other options were necessarily researched. And luckily, a charity has answered our call for affordable, fashionable, celebrity-endorsed green tote bags. (Isn't this what we all pray for at night?)

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One of my favorite things to do while travelling around the world is to seek out the local eco boutique or sustainable store, as is inevitably includes a new designer I'm not yet familiar with and great local knowledge and resources. Whether you live near one of these brick-n-mortar shops or live in the middle of nowhere (lucky you!), thanks to the internets, you too can dress in ethical style, even if the only one watching is you. Several of these stores are online-only, while some have 'real life' locations, but it hardly matters if you're a savvy (and responsible) Web Citizen.

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