Vintage Vixens - get your fill at Tasty Vintage!

by Naomi

If you are a lover of all things vintage and ever have the excuse to visit the lovely city of Lincoln, it's well worth making a stop at Tasty Vintage.

I came across this little jewel of a shop last week and spent a considerable amount of time 'ooohing' and 'aaahhhing' at the beautiful collection that its owner, and official Vintage Vixen Harriet has curated.

It is truly a den of fashion delights, with everything from 50s a-line dresses to lacy 80s gowns and a host of accessories that will make you feel giddy (although that could also have something to do with the climb up Steep Hill!). And after indulging your inner vixen, take your pick of the nearby tea rooms and put your feet up for a while!

And if you can't get to Lincoln - fear not! Tasty Vintage is also online here. Hooray!!

Facts: Lincoln vintage boutique, Tasty Vintage on Steep Hill. Owned by Harriet.

Beat the chill!

by Naomi

I have been keeping my eyes peeled for this spring/summer's eco-fashion must-haves. But there's just one problem...it's so cold I am finding it difficult to even contemplate wearing anything other than knitwear, fur (faux bien sur) and more knitwear!

So until the sun decides to make an appearance I am going to continue wrapping up! I am loving this Alpaca Reversible Hat by Emilime at $55 (around £34).

Doesn't it just look ssoooooooooooo cosy?!

Alpaca wool offers great insulation with breathability, and is known for its durability as well as being a renewable material. Furthermore, all Emilime pieces are handcrafted by artisans in Peru - thumbs up all round! And if your thumbs are cold take care of them with some alpaca gloves! These funky wrist warmers are $50.

Emilime products can be found on Holstee - a fab American initiative that designs and curates some of the best in urban eco style from across the globe, and Emilime's website direct.

Facts: Eco winter warmers: Emilime alpaca hat and gloves, made by artisans in Peru. Sold through Holstee

Bbbrrrrrrr....wrap up this Christmas with gorgeous knitwear

by Naomi

In my opinion sexy boots and scrumptious knitwear are two of the most important fashion saviours in the cold weather, and as Lorna has so wonderfully covered the former below, I am here to bring you a delightful selection of the latter. Warning: you will want to purchase and wrap up in all of these!

There is something eternally girly about bows - I can't get enough of them! 

Hand-Knitted Bow Scarf by Emmadime, £30 from Miki Organic.

Camilla Norrback Trompe L'Oeil Bow Jumper Dress,  £60 from Fashion Conscience.

Alpine prints are really hot...and these will keep you warm! Plus, they can't help but make you feel festive (and want a cameo in Wham's Last Christmas video...or is that just me?!)

Nordic Vintage Tunic by Lowie, £210.

Nordic Vintage Fingerless gloves by Lowie, £38.

Nordic Vintage earmuffs by Lowie, £38.

People Tree Fairisle Fair Trade Cardigan £92.

Last but by no means least, no-one can feel the winter blues whilst wearing a cape - it defies the laws of science...or at least the laws of wonderful knitwear.

Hooded Cable Cape by Lowie, £178.

Faux Fur Collar Cape by Tara Starlet

Facts: gorgeous organic, eco and ethical knitwear by Emmadime, Camilla Norrback, Lowie, People Tree and Tara Starlet. Perfect for winter!

Make a statement anywhere from the beach to the gym!

by Naomi

Ever feel like no-one is listening to you? New brand A Lot To Say is here to help! It has created a cute range of slogan t-shirts, vest tops, bikinis and umbrellas so that you can make a statement, wherever you are!

The slogans are either environment or wellbeing focused, and different collections mean that you can choose whether you want to be cheeky, edgy, inspirational, or positive. They are available as a short sleeve tee ($35.99) or a vest top ($32.99).

Inspirational slogans include 'Change' and 'Love'...

Whilst tongue-in-cheek designs are a little more in your face!...

The vest tops are perfect for the gym and the brand also offers a yoga-themed collection...

The tees are made completely from recycled PET bottles and use a revolutionary printing process that is non-water and non-toxic - ace!

There's also a bikini ($35), a scarf ($36) and an umbrella (from $36) - so even the bad weather can be an excuse to make yourself heard!

Buy online at www.alottosay.com

Facts: A Lot To Say: vest tops and t-shirts made from recycled bottles, non-toxic printing.

Sale time!

by Naomi

Nothing makes a slightly damp and grey week seem brighter than a great sale!

Prompted by my recent holiday, I have picked out some Cote D'Azur inspired finds: think French riviera chic, sophisticated and versatile but with a playful summer vibe.

This dress and cardi combo by Lowie is perfect for cool summer and autumn days. Made from finely knitted organic cotton, the elasticated waist and striped collar on the dress are flattering and feminine (£158 to £79). The cardi (£95) is the perfect partner!

I love this stripy tie top (£98 to £49), also by Lowie, which can be teamed with these beautiful sandals by vegan brand Beyond Skin (£135 to £71) for a look that epitomises eco cool summer-casual.

OK, so it's not on sale, but it is gorgeous! My lust-have item of the season is this beautiful silk blue band panama by Pachacuti. At £122 it may make your purse cower in fear, but it is rollable (comes with instructions and the optional extra of a box) meaning you will never again have to suffer the how-the-heck-do-I-pack-this-hat holiday dilemma!

Furthermore, Pachacuti works with women's cooperatives in Ecuador, ensuring Fair Trade and supporting pensions, developments, education and healthcare initiatives. It uses sustainable raw materials, minimises waste, and doesn't use harmful chemicals in the production process. What more could you ask for?!

Facts: organic cotton by Lowie, vegan sandals by Beyond Skin, Fair Trade panama hat by Pachacuti.

Now t-Hats something!

by Naomi

Ok, sorry for the cheesy headline, but it's a Friday and I like a good cheesy headline to celebrate the arrival of the weekend!

For those of you that, like me, love a little headgear, Vivien Sheriff is one designer definitely worth checking out. The British brand designs and makes stunning hats and headpieces here in the UK. It's never too early to start planning your outfits for the races and with these little beauties you will be spoilt for choice!

Clearly I'm not the only one that thinks Vivien Sheriff is fab - it has been nominated for British Headdress Designer of the Year in this year's Bridal Awards and for Wiltshire Business of the Year.

Check out more designs at www.viviensheriffmillinery.co.uk

Facts: Vivien Sheriff, hats and headpieces made in the UK.