It’s so hard to know how to dress in the summer. Days are hot, but nights can be cool and breezy – especially, if your summer plans take you seaside. This Hooded Cape from Echo Verde will have you covered, regardless of the changing summer temps.

We love this soft, bamboo/organic cotton blend staple for its versatility. It can be worn dressed up or down, and can be easily packed to throw on whenever a breeze (or air conditioner) brings a chill. Great for a day at the beach, the hood comes in handy for keeping sun off your face. Available in four colors and, at only $56, you might want to grab one for home and one for travel. A must-have! www.nancysgonegreen.com.

When a designer we love to splurge on, comes out with a collection with every piece $100 or less, well, it just makes us love her more! Deborah Lindquist Eco Couture has done just that with her Green Queen collection. While the line is referred to as a group of “basics,” there is nothing basic about these ready-to-wear pieces that stand alone as beautifully as they work together.

This “younger sister” line features the same eco luxury for which Lindquist is known, with trendy pieces crafted from sustainable, organic and recycled knits. Designed to coordinate with the Eco Couture line, it features dresses, tops, leggings and wraps in black and white, that are easily mixed and matched for numerous combinations. Ranging from the sporty “Katie” tank (shown in newsletter/$60) to the sexy “Faye” dress (shown right/$90), they are ideal for all your summer travels. Check it out at www.deborahlindquist.com.

At White Apricot, we have always maintained that “going green” is not something that has to be done all at once. In fact, that can be WAY too overwhelming. Instead, we have always been advocates of the “better to do a little something than a whole lot of nothing”. Therefore, we applaud the efforts of mega retailer The Gap to be more eco friendly with its Recycled 1969 collection.

Featuring jeans, tees, shirts, and even a cute denim backpack (right), Recycled 1969 is made using 30% recycled cotton and a cleaner wash process. While that may not sound like much, when you consider how many items this retail giant manufactures, it adds up to less water wasted and a smaller carbon footprint. Again, when going green, every little step counts toward a healthier, happier planet – and we can’t wait to get our hands on that on-trend backpack! Super cute and only $89.95 at www.gap.com.

Tongues and tails are wagging about Jusani Culture™, a company that combines two of our favorite things: cute clothing and help for homeless animals. Every purchase from this site will provide an American sheltered pet with food, supplies, medical care and training assistance with adoption.

Animal shelters are overrun with homeless pets that people have abandoned or abused, and caring for these four-legged friends requires an extensive amount of funds. By purchasing one of these economical, fetching designs that include cute drawings of cats, dogs and even ferrets, you are supporting the efforts of these ever-so-important organizations as they work to care for those among us who cannot care for themselves. $22 – $52 at www.jusani.com. Because helping animals is always in fashion. (Note that these shirts and totes are socially conscious, not eco friendly)

With Christmas just a few days away and Hanukkah starting this week, why not pick up a last minute gift that's truly inspiring — an inspirational eco friendly t-shirt from Tees for Change. Made with bamboo and organic cotton, we love the simplicity of the design and messages of the text tees, and the beautiful rich colors. These tees are so soft, fit well and, for every one you buy, Tees for Change plants a tree.

We'd love to say we have favorites, but with wonderful sayings, like "Smile Often," "Dream. Dare. Do.," and "Inspire Change," we really like everything these t-shirts have to say! An economical $34 at www.teesforchange.com

Click the Apricot to Receive 20% Off  with Your White Apricot Exclusive Offer. That Makes Them Just $25.50! (Does not apply to sale items)