Courtney Maum
Bespoken: Revisiting the Belle Epoque
This spring, recessionistas will adapt Edwardian, utilitarian silhouettes to suit their personalities….and their wallets. Here are simple ways to greenify the top 5 trends from spring from the Paris runways:
1. Elegant Fluidity
Monochronistic palettes in nude, beige, rose and cinder will take over the runway and the streets as designers downscale fuss, and play with wearability. This is good news for the eco-conscious consumer because most of us have one or more of these color combinations in our own closets. Keep it simple, and keep it solid. This season, subtile is sophisticated.
2. Simplified Safari
Drawstrings, snap buttons and cord will tie up one-pieces, trench coats, dresses and vests, while the cargo pant takes a hint from the harem. Fluid pants will be ankle length to show off strappy sandals in thick, braided plaids of metallic leather, while tulles, frills and petticoats move the safari on towards the prairie. What this means for the eco-sophisticate: go through your mother’s closet! Borrowing is the sincerest form of flattery, so if mom doesn’t have it, check in on your roommate. Infuse spring frocks with flirtatious energy by pairing them with petticoats and bustles gleaned from your favorite second-hand store. Recycling fashion is the new black! [social_buttons]
3. Pleats Please
You don’t have to fly to Paris to figure this one out. Pleated trousers walk the walk this spring, ushering in a breeze of sophistication with a dandified twist. Again, this is great news for eco-friendly fashionistas who like to keep up with the trends without indulging in conspicuous consumption. Surely, you have some horrid pair of pants hidden in a drawer, awaiting an important interview with a stodgy employer. Pleated? Check. Slightly masculine? Check. Sort of sexy in an unassuming way? Check. Consider yourself ready for a spring fling.
4. The Uncommon Canary
Touches of canary and emerald will appear like birds of paradise on lapels, handbags and corset-like belts. Ikat will make a tremendous comeback in design and accessories- look for tell-tale patterns in shoes, handbags and home design objects, like pillows and throws. Check out your local flea markets and scour garage sales for bright little things with tiny little price tags. Mother Earth will thank you.
5. Bye-bye Big Bag!
Enfin! No longer do we have to worry about getting hip-checked in the subway. This season, totes, satchels and oversized clutches take the place of maxi-sacs, as women (and men!) opt to carry on in downscaled style. What this means for greenies: Your grandmother isn’t going to believe you when you tell her that her purse is this season’s It Bag, but who cares? You’ll be downsizing your carbon footprint and paying homage to your elders is she lets you borrow it.
Photo credit: Tammy Manet under a Creative Commons License
