Tuesday 12 January 2010

Calling all pin-ups!

By Naomi

As a fan of all things Hollywood Glamour I don't think I have been this excited about a fashion find since the launch of a Vintage & Retro charity shop in my hometown. UK fashion brand Tara Starlet combines an ethical and environmental attitude with a love of fashion from the 30s, 40s and 50s and its pieces are just delicious; from playsuits, and high-waisted shorts to day dresses and peep-hole blouses. The only difficulty is trying to pick which item I want the most!

As it is still pretty nippy outside I am drawn to this super-cute Cosy Cape (£75), also available in a peach shade perfect for Winter to Spring:


Ooh la la!

I also love these Sailor Slacks (£56), which are a chic alternative to skinny jeans and are also available in tweeds that are great for work!


Ahoy there Sailor!

Duo Tara and her mother design and manufacture in the UK using recycled fabrics and trimmings where possible as well as end of roll fabrics to create limited edition pieces. See http://www.tarastarlet.com/ to buy!

Facts: Tara Starlet; Ethical vintage glamour; UK made; recycled; salvaged fabrics.

Sunday 10 January 2010

New Year.... new lil black dress!!

By Lorna


Fear not ecogodesses! ...amidst all the chaos of the January sales I have searched the globe for the best LBDs. Whether you rock your style simple and classic like a modern day Audrey Hepburn or you prefer an edgier catwalk look, I have found the perfect LBD for you... and naturally they are all on sale!


My fav is the ‘Layla Dress’ by Ascension. It is a really beautiful sophisticated cut with an obi style belt tie to nip your waist in. Each dress is carefully hand embroidered by Indian Artisans with gorgeous tonal stitch detail around the neckline, shoulder and belt. This means that each dress is unique and you can wear it with pride knowing its fair trade! Now only £54.50 (was £109.00) at www.ascensiononline.com


Next up is the totally gorgeous People Tree ‘Strapless Party Dress’. The 100% silk dress is sure to steal the party limelight, it has pleat front detail, a ruched back panel and feature pockets. The cloth is hand woven in Bangladesh and the straps are removable making this dress super cute and adaptable! Was £160 now £80 at 
www.ascensiononline.com



And finally, no ‘top ethical LBD’ list would be complete without a nod to designer Julia Smith... This edgy dress with on-trend accentuated shoulders is made from recycled polyester and has long sleeves, which can be turned up to reveal batik lining. Rock this attention grabbing dress with black opaque’s and killer heels. £240 (was £320) at www.fashion-conscience.com

Ascension ‘Layla dress’ available from www.ascensiononline.com
People Tree ‘Strapless Party Dress’ available from www.ascensiononline.com
Julia Smith ‘Boston Puff Shoulder Dress’ available from www.fashion-conscience.com

Eco gorgeous from top to toe!

by Naomi

If - like me - you over-indulged a little over this year's festivities (too much food, wine and make-up!) then January serves as the perfect time to have a little beauty MOT. Whilst beauty starts from the inside out, a little polishing of the outside can't hurt! Over the last few weeks I have discovered a number of wonderful eco treasures. So let's start from the top!


Having a hair-mare?
If you haven't already come across Aveda, then it is time you did. They produce plant-based hair care, skincare, cosmetics and perfume, and have done so since the 70s making them arguably one of the founders of the green-beauty revolution. I tried the 'Brilliant tm Shampoo and Conditioner', (both around £12) which deep cleanse yet add moisture - perfect for ridding my colour-treated and post-party hair of all the product build-up. Made with organic aloe, calendula and camelia, and packaged using recycled materials from manufacturers that use renewable energy, they are a good deed for your hair and your carbon footprint! http://www.wantthelook.com/

Face 2010 with a beautiful face!
Boots' Botanics range offers some great organic products including the Organic Rosewater toner (£3.91). It is simply fab; gentle yet effective, and the damask rosewater gives it a romantic and feminine scent. http://www.boots.com/

One of my favourite discoveries of 2009 has to be Dr Wendy's. New to the UK, the New Zealand based brand offers pure botanical skincare that is chemical free and not tested on animals. I had read that using oil-based skincare products could help combat oily skin, but I was a little apprehensive. However, having tried Dr Wendy's Gentle Moisturizer (£31.50) I am completely converted.The essential oils of Fragonia, Sandalwood and Tea Tree, as well as Organic Lavender give it a lovely smell and a texture that left my skin deeply moisturised without being oily. Since using it regularly my skin feels smoother and is noticeably clearer. There are ranges created specifically for different types of skin, and prices for cleansers, toners and moisturisers range between £18.50 and £38.80. http://www.lucyrose.biz/


Liven up dull and worn out skin with the Lush Charity Pot (£12.50). It is a wonderful all-over hand and body cream made with cocoa butter and almond oil, which give it a very sweet smell. It has light in texture and absorbs quickly, plus every penny paid for it after VAT is donated to one of the charities or organisations that Lush supports. These include environmental and conservation causes, humanitarian causes and animal protection. If partying the nights away in pretty but hopelessly impractical heels have left your feet in need of some TLC, before bedtime simply apply a thick layer of Charity Pot to your tootsies, pop on some old socks and leave overnight - et voila, a quick foot mask! (Don't forget to wash the socks before you try and wear them again though!) http://www.lush.co.uk/

Facts: Aveda plant-based hair and skincare, recycled packaging. Boots' Botanics Organic Rosewater toner, recycled packaging, organic damask rosewater. Dr Wendy's plant-based beauty, essential oils and chemical free. Lush Charity Pot, almond oil, cocoa butter.