Get swapping!

by Naomi

Just a quick one to update you on some eco fashion news hot from the newsdesk. (Well my inbox at least!) Ascension is launching a SWAP SPOT at its London store on St. Christopher's Place starting tomorrow! You can swap your unwanted pieces for something new from the swap rail and the SWAP SPOT will run throughout Fairtrade Fortnight until the 7th of March meaning you have plenty of time to swap to your heart's content.

Any items left over at the end of the swap will be donated to TRAID which will then recycle or resell them with proceeds going towards their recycling activities and workshops.

Find out more at www.ascensiononline.com and www.traid.org.uk

Extra 15% off all Clearance and Spring Clean sale stock at Ascension!!

By Lorna

Great new Eco Goddesses.... the sale at Ascension just keeps getting better! Ascension are now offering an additional 15% off all Clearance and Spring Clean stock. More exciting than that, they have also added some gorgeous pieces by Fin and Bllack by Noir into the online sale. This Fin asymmetric dress is my fav! It was £240 and is now only £72! Made in India from super soft organic bamboo this dress is really elegant and drapes beautifully. The tiny straps make it elegant and chic, all in all the perfect party wear. 

Check out ascensiononline.com but don't forget to enter code FIFTEEN at the basket page when shopping! Enjoy!! x

Something sweet for spring!

by Naomi

As much as I like the snow it feels like this winter has gone on forever! Fortunately I have come across these little beauties to get us in the mood for spring!

Nubar has created this mouthwatering set of polishes called Pastel Fever that are right on trend with this season's pastel shades. They are so sugary sweet I can't help but feel like spring might be on its way. Pink Creme and Lavender are my favourites! They are vegan and free from toluene, phthalate and formaldehyde - bonus! Buy for £8 each at www.beautyshed.co.uk

I came across Body America beauty products last week whilst having on one of those days where you wish you had just stayed in bed. Its pretty pin-up packaging combined with the fact that it uses 72 per cent organic ingredients caught my eye and the divine flavours really put a spring in my step. I have been using the Toast to the Coast lip butter, which contains passion seed oil, vegetable protein and Vitamin E, and it tastes so good I can't put it down! (Even my boyfriend likes it!)

Other yummy flavours include New York Cheesecake (strawberry and vanilla), Vermony VaVaVoom (green apple, maple and blueberry), and Southern Belle (peach and mango). Products include body butters, body washes, body mist and body scrubs. Everything is free from parabens, BHT and urea and it is all dermatalogically tested. Prices range from £4.99 for the lip butter to £10.99 for the body butters and scrubs: buy from Alesindi or Harvey Nichols.

Facts: Nubar eco friendly nail varnishes - phthalate, toluene, formaldehyde free, vegan. Body America - organic ingredients, paraben, BHT, urea free.

Emma Watson collection hits People Tree

by Naomi

It would seem that Emma Watson has officially flown the Harry Potter nest; her much anticipated collection has officially launched at People Tree and thankfully there's not a whiff of a wizards' cloaks or itchy school tights!

Unlike many of the 'celebrity' collections, there's a real sense of Emma's personality and input in the designs. The Brown student has drawn on preppy and nautical inspirations to form a collection of student-chic stylish and relaxed basics including polo shirts, vest tops, chunky knit jumpers and tank tops. The collection is Fairtrade and uses organic cotton. Prices are around £20 for vest tops and upwards of £50 for knitwear - time to get saving those pennies!

Facts: Emma Watson collection for People Tree, organic cotton, Fairtrade, eco and ethical celebrity collection.

Eco jeans at bargain prices

by Naomi

Calling all Eco Goddesses! Ascension is offering £30 off denim for one week only so if you are looking to invest in some wardrobe staples, now is the time. They offer a selection of fits and colours. These organic skinnies by Sage are wonderfully versatile and at £29 they are even cheaper than most on the high street!

Facts: Ascension Sage jeans, Eco denim, Organic cotton.

Go Eco for Valentines

by Naomi

Valentine's Day is almost upon us so for all you lovebirds, here are some Love-themed gift ideas!

Eco & ethical valentines gifts for girls:

Celebrate the day with some bubbles! Vintage Roots offers a selection of organic and vegan Champagne, such as this AOC Champagne Carte d'Or for £21.75. Team with some yummy Divine chocolate hearts or a hamper for maximum impact.

Underwear is always a great choice, so check out Knickers In A Box, or Enamore for some beautiful creations. For the girl that loves designer, Stella McCartney has a super-cute selection of Fruits of the Week Knickers, (pictured, around $200.)

Thinking of popping the question? Issues surrounding the manufacture of fine jewellery are some of the most pressing (mining can be environmentally destructive and I'm sure you have heard of the problems surrounding conflict diamonds) so make a stand and go for a ring that is both beautiful and guilt-free.

Fairtrade jeweller CRED offers designs that are contemporary and conflict free:

Pictured is the Oval Ruby Trilogy Ring (£1,555), Brilliant Ruby Trilogy Ring (£1,130) and the Teal Sapphire Trilogy Ring (£1,230). Other conflict-free designs can be found at Brilliant Earth and James Allen. Vintage rings are a good option environmentally and offer old-fashioned glamour. Adin has a great selection of gorgeous pieces.

For the boys...

This pure wool Kile jumper by Komodo (right) will help keep Jack Frost at bay, and will be an investment with wool tipped to be the fabric of Autumn/Winter 2010! Down from £97 to £58 grab one while you can! This bag by Hug (left) is made from recycled tyres and offers an understated edge to the traditional 'Man-Bag' (£55). Quail also offers some stylish shirts that are Fairtrade, organic cotton and manufactured in the UK. Priced between £45 and £55 they won't leave too much of a dent in your going-out fund either!

If you want to treat your man and put on a show, check out Organic Pleasures, a pioneer in eco-luxe eroticism! It offers ideas from the nice to the naughty, such as these seamed stockings for £5.75 which are made in the EU.Betsy La Belle offers some gorgeous Burlesque-inspired treats such as these nipple tassels which are locally handmade - ooh la la!

Last but by no means least, for the male valentine that likes to be pampered Green People have created this gift set, containing face wash, shave gel and moisturiser which is free from artificial fragrances, SLS/SLES and parabens. Priced at £28 it can be bought at Ascension.

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.

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.

Patriotic eco fashion

by Naomi

Well call me mushy, but I've developed a real sense of patriotism over the last few months. Perhaps it's due to the economic trials and tribulations of the last year, or maybe it is the anticipation of the 2012 Olympics. Whatever the reason, what better way to express a love for our nation than through the medium of fashion?! Nostalgic style and British-themed fashion is where it is at, and so I bring you a selection of the best!

Be boldly British and sport the Union Jack (more a contemporary take on British elegance than Geri Halliwell circa 1997.)

London Undercover umbrella:

The umbrella is a British icon and a classic one is a staple to any truly patriotic wardrobe. This gingham/ plaid Union Jack design by London Undercover is a stylish take on the traditional walker-style umbrella and is made from recycled materials with minimal waste. Team it with a trench coat and brogues, and you will be singing in the rain! It can be yours for £40 from http://www.londonundercover.co.uk/

Crumpets and cuffs:

If you are the kind of gal that likes to get suited and booted, why not finish your shirt with these cufflinks made by Skip Sisters from recycled stamps? Available for £39 from www.fashion-conscience.com

Alternatively,
team together red, white and blue:

Bamboo dress:

This navy dress by Fin, made from 100 per cent organic bamboo, is perfection when teamed with red tights. Available in-store at the new Ascension store, for £240. See www.ascensiononline.com for more information.

Melissa shoes:

I am a big fan of Melissa shoes (particularly the Vivienne Westwood collection - well worth a look) and these vegan t-bar Mary Janes are so cute. They are on sale at www.fashion-conscience.com, reduced from £50 to £35. Choose between ruby red (pictured) or royal blue.

Military Jacket:

Lowie's handmade cropped wool jacket features ornate antique-style buttons and a longer tail, simply oozing this season's military trend. Make it yours for £178. www.ilovelowie.com

Last but not least, be delightfully dapper: androgyny is the new black! This means brogues, straight-cut trousers and braces are all back in the game.

Classic tailoring from Ascension:

This peg-top trouser and blazer combo epitomises flattering masculine tailoring. Trousers £75, blazer £109, at www.ascensiononline.com

Eco-friendly brogues:

You can pick up some vintage or second-hand brogues on sites such as Ebay and Etsy, and the same goes for braces. Bourgeois Boheme, which specialises in responsibly made footwear and accessories, has a range of mens' and womens' brogues such as these by Marco Tozzi  - a bargain at £36! http://www.bboheme.com/

Facts: London Undercover umbrella: recycled materials. Skip Sisters cufflinks: recycled stamps. Fin: organic bamboo.Melissa shoes: vegan. Lowie: handmade wool. Ascension: fairly traded.

Life's not Fair but my Knickers are!

By Lorna

No really.... that title is not me trying to be funny.. that's the name of the company! 'Life's not fair but my knickers are,' and well... as a company, they kinda do what they say on the jar. They make cute fair-trade knickers, vests, camis and Pjs. Simple as that! 

As the founders explain... ''At Life’s Not Fair But. . . My Knickers Are, we’re dedicated to creating a chic, pretty range, which won’t cost you your principles.'' They make everything from pretty polka dot shorts with lace trim to vests featuring a flirty Fair-trade mantra. 

The 'fairly dotty' range with the lace trims is my personal fav but you can check out the irresistibly fair, fair game and fair heart ranges here. With all products made from fair-trade cotton and prices from only £5 you cant really go wrong! Stocking fillers anyone.....???

You can check the range out at http://www.lifesnotfairbutmyknickersare.com/

Wrap up warm Eco Goddess style... with 20% off all knitwear at Ascension!!!

By Lorna

Fantastic news Eco Goddesses.... you now have two brilliant excuses to buy a lush new cardigan! Firstly- as of this week the weather is ‘officially’ freezing and Secondly- (and much more importantly) our favourite high street ethical retailer Ascension are now running a 20% off promotion on all knitwear until Tuesday 15^th December! You can head into their store on St. Christopher’s Place, London W1 or check out their gorgeous selection of organic, hand knitted and fairly traded pieces online at www.ascensiononline.com 

My personal fav is the Ascension Grace cardigan! It has a really flattering shape, is made from a blend of organic cotton and lambswool and is ridiculously wearable. I have a feeling if you invest in this, you may well live in it till summer! It looks super chic with skinny jeans... dressed up with an organic shirt and some glam jewellery for work... over a little black sparkly party dress.... (The list goes on!)

Also, as if that wasn’t enough.....if you pop into store on the afternoon of the 15^th, you might be treated to a glass of organic bubbly, mince pies and gingerbread as a pre-Christmas shoppers treat! Thanks Ascension!!

You can find the grace cardigan (now only £55.20, down from £69) and lots more seriously chic knitwear pieces at http://www.ascensiononline.com/

Featuring the Best Eco Fashion from the Clothes Show Live 2009....

By Lorna

The Clothes Show Live is the biggest fashion and beauty event worldwide and serves to highlight the latest high street and designer collections in spectacular style.  It is held annually in Birmingham NEC, which boast a 6500 capacity fashion theatre for the live catwalk show. This is the 21^st year of the Clothes Show Live and I went along today to search out the BEST ECO STYLE that was on offer for all of us Eco Goddesses....

1. Environmental Justice Foundation

THE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE FOUNDATION had a brilliant stall, which served as a sneak previous showcase for their new range of ‘Best of British’ designer collaboration t-shirts, featuring the designs of Alice Temperley, Richard Nicoll, Jenny Packham and Ciel. The stand succeeded in tempting even the most fashion conscious of girls in to find out more and buy a pre-release EJF t-shirt. I’m sure it had absolutely nothing to do with the posters of one of the male models from the catwalk show posing in an EJF t-shirt... no nothing at all! Ahem!

 I caught up with eco fashionistas Laura and India who were buying T-shirts and learning more from expert Larissa (from EJF), about the life changing pros of buying organic cotton... pictured below.

EJF believes children should not be forced to work in cotton fields and that cotton should be grown organically without pesticides, which poison the land and the farmers, which work on it. The proceeds from each of these designer collaborated t-shirts sold goes to support EJF in their work. To find out more about EJF's previous designer collection read Naomi's christmas wish-list post by clicking here.

2. Junk Jewels 

JUNK JEWELS were an amazing ethical find... as they design and make a veritable feast of gorgeous romantic, dreamy vintage-inspired jewellery! I met with Zoe Jones, founder of Junk Jewels who told me that they LOVE vintage and although some pieces are new they try and use as much vintage and recycled jewels as possible. There were literally swarms of girls trying on these beautiful trinkets and rightly so... as these one-off pieces are simple charming!

If you order online you can choose from two different chain lengths and bracelet sizes for you chosen vintage charm and the prices are unbelievably reasonable starting at just £6 for a bracelet and £8 for a necklace! 

If you’re a London dweller, check out the new Junk Jewels collection every Saturday at Portobello market, Notting Hill. You can even use their pick’n’mix service to create your own custom jewellery!

3.Komodo 

Unlike Junk Jewels, KOMODO are clothes show veterans and are an ethical brand, which has become massively well known worldwide.  Komodo have been in business 20 years, working with eco-friendly materials and following a philosophy of ethical business and social responsibility.

Although komodo are definitely worth checking out for their organic cotton shirts and range of winter warmers, which come in a variety of rich dark blues and warm earthy tones, I think their real strength lies in the beautiful organic cotton summer dresses they produce. Now it may sound odd, that I write that statement in December, when it is OFFICALLY FREEZING (at least in the UK it is!) but I do have a good reason!... If you check out the Komodo website they have an amazing sale on, featuring lots of beautiful summer dresses. If was you Eco Goddesses, I would show of my pre-planning skills, think well ahead and snap up a chic summery ethical bargain!!

Also ethically exhibiting at the clothes show live 2009 were The North Circular, Life's Not Fair But My Knickers Are and Terra Plana.

To find out more about EJF read our previous post by Naomi here or check out the EJF website http://www.ejfoundation.org/

Junk Jewels are available at http://www.junkjewels.co.uk/

Komodo clothing is available at www.komodo.co.uk 

WHERE oh WHERE...

by Naomi

I am always on the lookout for stylish eco & ethical footwear, as I find it one of the most difficult areas to be better at; vintage are usually too small and many modern brands are too expensive for my pocket. WHERE is one of few brands that I think offer something stylish and not too pricey (although still definitely a considered purchase!)

I love their A/W collection. The studded Tressa shoe is edgy yet versatile and the Omayda shoe looks like the perfect day shoe.

WHERE shoes and accessories are hand made by small producers and artisans across the globe. The brand pays workers a fair wage and says it does its best to make and package using natural and environmentally friendly materials.

They are currently offering a discount to its followers on Twitter so find them at www.twitter.com/WHEREitisAT 

Facts: WHERE hand made shoes, ethical shoes.

40% off at Stella McCartney!!!

by Naomi

For all you eco goddesses that are fans of Stella McCartney's super sleek creations, the A/W 09 sale has begun! Whether you are a long-term Stella aficionado or a total newbie, with up to 40% off now is the perfect time to get your virtual butt down to the website at http://tinyurl.com/ya2t2b5 and check her collections out.

I think this Washed Silk Organdy Vela Blouse with a lace overlay - down from $1,345 to $809 - is simply beautiful.

StellaMcCartney's collections are fur and leather free, and incorporate organic and eco-friendly materials. Furthermore, the brand is powered by Ecotricity and offsets its carbon - good news!

For more information visit http://www.stellamccartney.com/

Facts: Stella McCartney, fur-free fashion, leather -fashion, organic, eco-friendly, ethical and eco-friendly fashion sale.