People Tree - Ethical Christmas Gifts made easy! - 40%

By Lorna

It's that time of year again and I'm slightly panicking that all my good intentions of making ethical Christmas Gifts aren't going quite as well as I had hoped! But once again, the lovely people at People Tree have come to the rescue!! Wooop! Sale ends Friday at midnight so get shopping!! xx

Once you've got everyone else sorted, head down to the People Tree Sample Sale next weekend and pick up some last minute presents for yourself! xx

Facts: People Tree, Ethical, Sustainable, Recycled, Fair Trade, Organic and Beautiful. Sample Sale. 16th-17th December 2011, Friday 6-8pm and Sat 11-6pm, Ethical Christmas!! 

TREND ALERT...Go wild with Navajo eco style!

By Lorna

Dressing 'eco' or 'ethically aware' can sometimes mean we miss key fashion trends - but with our new TREND ALERT posts we will be scouring the eco fashion world to make ECO GODDESS your one-stop site for fashion led product. The key is choosing products that looks cool, will support communities and will last. 
Global Traveller, Go Wild, Navajo Style... whatever the 'catchphrase' this trend is here to stay! It's a buzzword for both Spring/Summer 2012 and Autumn/Winter 2013 (which we are now designing at work) so buying into one of these lush Melie Bianco vegan duffle bags at £75 will see you through...
Enjoy! x


Available here
Facts: Melie Bianco bags at £75, Vegan Duffle Bag, Ethical, Navajo, Eco, WIld, Western

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.

A fashion-fabulous health conscious Monday treat!

by Naomi

Wow - what beautiful sunshine this weekend brought us Brits! Everyone was out enjoying the heat and delving back into their summer wardrobes for the first time.

The sunshine always inspires me to try and get fit (try being the operative word!) and be a bit healthier in my lifestyle, so it's quite timely that this week's Monday post is about two new collections supporting some important health campaigns.

H&M's soon-to-launch Fashion Against Aids 2011 collection will be hitting shops on April 26, and is all about the androgynous street style mixed with casual essentials. 

Lots of celebs are supporting the campaign, including Keri Hilson, Selma Blair, Penn Badgley, Akon, Ginnifer Goodwin and the Scissor Sisters, and 25% of the sales are being donated to the charity Designers Against AIDS (DAA) and various other international HIV/AIDS prevention projects.


Ginnifer Goodwin (T-shirt £19.99)

 

Keri Hilson (Jumpsuit - £29.99)

Some of the pieces certainly aren't for the faint of fashion-heart, but that's kind of the way we like it here at Eco Goddess! The great thing about the collection is that it incorporates designs for those that want to wear their heart on their sleeve, and stylish essentials for those that just want fashion that gives to a good cause!

So you can say it loud and proud...

Vest - £6.99

 Or just have a warm glow in your heart knowing you have made a difference and got a lovely item of clothing at the same time...


Trench Coat - £34.99


There are plenty of pieces for the boyshapes and girlshapes as each design has been interpreted into menswear and womenswear.


Penn Badgley (Hooded Jacket £24.99, Scarf £6.99)


The new limited edition Tommy Hilfiger bag, supporting Breast Health International, has also just been launched, with Renée Zellweger as the face of this year's campaign. Made from vegetable-tanned leather, with a soft suede finish, it is the perfect everday bag, and €100 from each sale will be donated to the Fund for Living, supporting those affected by breast cancer.


Plenty of food for thought! -x-

Facts: Fashion - health campaigns; Fashion Against Aids and H&M - available from April 26; Tommy Hilfiger and Breast Health International, limited-edition handbag made from vegetable-tanned leather.

Compassionate Fashion - Gucci & UNICEF

By Lorna 

Gucci Creative Director, Frida Giannini will be honoured on February 11th 2011 at UNICEF's annual Women of Compassion luncheon. Jennifer Lopez will present the award with honorary chairwomen Rihanna and Mary J Blige.

Under Frida Giannini's direction, Gucci has committed over $9million to UNICEF to support UNICEF orphans and children affected by AIDS in Africa, where over 11 million children have lost one or both parents to the disease. This has been achieved through various special projects and commissioned exclusive design pieces for Gucci to retail. The most recent of these projects was a special edition Sukey bag which has been stocked in Gucci stores in 20 countries with 25% of the retail price donated.

"Gucci's ongoing commitment is helping UNICEF and our partners reach our goal of benefiting 4 million children through the Schools for Africa campaign."

"For most of Africa's children, particularly orphans and children affected by HIV and AIDS, education represents a way out of a life of entrenched poverty,” said Nichole Brown, UNICEF Chief of Corporate and Foundation Fundraising. “By providing children with access to a quality education in a safe and protective environment, we are building better lives for not only these children, but future generations as well."

When you look at the problems people face all over the world, it is easy to feel helpless. That is why these Women of Compassion awards are so important; they are inspiration to the likes of women (and men) in industries everywhere that it is possible to make a difference and improve our world for the better, congratulations Frida!  

Find more info on the Gucci and UNICEF partnership, at Gucci or UNICEF

Stella McCartney does Paris Fashion Week...

By Lorna

Ok so I'll admit its not exactly the best weather to show you beautiful light summery clothes but when offered a sneak preview of Stella McCartney's Summer 2011 collection i bet you'll find it just as hard to resist as I did!!

The collection was shown yesterday at Paris Fashion Week- Highlights include an array of soft pastel colored tailored suits, modern thigh high split dresses and a tangy vibrant all-over print to add a flash of bright colors. The accessories are also well worth a lustful glance and as always with the lovely Stella, its all animal friendly!

You can check out pics from the catwalk here 


Facts: Stella McCartney, Animal Friendly, SS11 Catwalk

I wanna be a bag lady!

By Naomi Davis

I love this new collection of bags by Issi, just launched in Selfridges! Issi combines art with fashion by collaborating with award-winning artists and the results are beautiful, inspiring yet ultimately functional handbags - perfect if, like me, you keep your whole life in your bag!

The range includes bags, clutches, purses and wallets, and uses materials that were previously destined for landfill, such as parachute silk, tea sacks, leather and particularly old British fire-hose. They truly are humanitarian handbags; 50 per cent of profits are donated to charities involved with the waste, and donations are also made to the Fire Fighters’ Charity, meaning you can do a good deed and purchase an enviable piece of arm candy in one go!

Artists involved in the launch collection include Elvis & Kresse, Lothar Götz, Olivier Millagou, Paul Morrison and Simon Periton.

I love Götz’s Sissi clutch (above), made from yellow fire hose, and the retro-chic bowling bag (below) which makes me want to don flares and hit the roller-disco immediately! Prices start at £220.

If you like things a little more artistic, the Beelzebag handbag by Periton is inspired by a fly and features mandibles and a wing! The wing incorporates a skull & crossbones design, and the bag also features an embossed eye.

 

Add one of these beauties to your bag collection pronto!

Facts:
Issi: Eco and ethical handbags, made from waste materials including British fire hose, donations made to charity.

http://www.issiworld.com/ 

Sequel London: Bags better than the original!

by Lorna 

SEQUEL London is a gorgeous new online haven for those in need of lust-worthy ethical leather bags!!

Inspired by a desire to reduce waste and encourage sustainable fashion, cousins Laura Queening and Claire Baigen set up Sequel London. The brand, launched this month, gives new life to carefully selected unwanted clothing from Oxfam Wastesaver. Recycled leather jackets, discarded silk ties and high quality unwanted curtains are cleaned, cut and remade to create a range of stylish, affordable and contemporary accessories.

Queening said: “Fashion can change so quickly, and often we see clothing that is in excellent condition, but wouldn’t be worn by the more fashion conscious among us! We only choose the best quality material, even if the clothing itself has long since passed its fashion sell-by date, and from that we make a new product, reducing waste and offering something different in today’s disposable lifestyle.”

The Spring Summer 2010 collection consists of a range of six designs, which are priced from £39 to £79, and offer bespoke, durable styles at high-street prices. Here at EcoGoddess we are loving the leather covered button detailing and the unique linings, all helping to make each bag completely unique! The removable silk tie handles are super cute and add a splash of colour. We likee!  

All Sequel London accessories are made in London...of course!!

For more info visit www.sequellondon.co.uk 

Facts: Sequel London. Recycled, Leather, Silk, Made in England, Sustainable

Oooh I think I love you!

by Naomi

I discovered Lie Down I Think I Love You at the Pure fashion exhibition and felt my Eco Goddess fashion heart skip a beat!

The London-based boutique makes handbags (in the UK) that are sweet like ice cream on a hot summer day (wouldn't one of those be nice?!) They are made from locally sourced biodegradable leather and finished off with beautiful vintage silk scarves. The two pictured below are from the Sweetheart Collection. At £165 a pop they will require a little penny-saving, but are gorgeous enough for a roll-around-in-the-hay type love affair.

See www.liedownithinkiloveyou.com

Facts: Lie Down I Think I Love You: Biodegradable leather, locally sourced, vintage scarves.

Get foxy for the Fairtrade Fortnight!

by Naomi

There are lots of things going on in celebration of the Fairtrade Fortnight and here is one of my favourites! Aura Que makes some delightful creations (handbags, purses and scarves) by working with fair trade producers and small family businesses in Nepal, and is offering 10 per cent off until the 7th of March.

I particularly like the Bucket Bag, incorporating leather and fabric made from banana fibre yarn which is 100 per cent natural and produced sustainably. You can use either the long or short handles and they are available in slate blue (pictured), beige and black for £149 before discount. With free P&P what more do you need?!

Facts: Aura Que. Sustainably produced yarn, fair trade producers.

Ascension launches London flagship store... the first dedicated ethical fashion store in Central London!!!

By Lorna

Last night saw the press launch of the London Ascension Flagship store and as your dedicated ecogoddess fashion researchers, myself and Naomi headed down to check it out! ...

The Ascension Flagship Store is at St. Christopher’s Place, in the heart of London’s West End and is a really beautiful fresh showcase for a collection of outstanding ethical and sustainable brands. The own label Ascension and Ascension Originals collections are showcased in store, along with over 50 other delicious ethical brands... including Edun, Beautiful Soul, Bllack, Fin, Frank & Faith, Kuyichi, Annie Greenabelle and Stewart & Brown.

The design of the store itself maintains an aesthetic of understated elegance, which reflects the company’s heritage. I was particularly loving the art installations from Christine Sterlini with her gorgeous ceramic butterflies fluttering up the staircase. These butterflies are also hidden allover London raising awareness of mental health issues in collaboration with the charity organization Cooltan Arts. This is just one example of how Ascension has chosen authenticity and depth over the high street shop fit norm in order to create a space that feels really special. There is even a mini library where you can read up on sum eco goddess tips from Divine fair-trade chocolate cookbooks or eco style bibles!

Previously in an attempt to shop ethically (on a budget!) I have been slightly addicted to eBay, charity shops and ethical sample sales, however the Ascension Store has now set a precedence for high street stores by playing host to such a carefully selected range of beautiful and different ethical brands, which are all comparable in price to their high street counterparts! The Ascension store should be clearly marked on all eco goddess’ radars as a must visit store for all your sustainable fashion needs!!

And as the tagline of the store states...ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE! x

To see more pics of the store visit http://www.ascensiononline.com/Blog/post/Ascension-London-Press-Event-What-an-Evening!.aspx

To view Ascension clothing visit www.ascensiononline.com

My top 10 green and ethical Christmas wishlist

by Naomi

Christmas is just around the corner so it is time to put together our letters to Santa! This is my first Christmas as a fledgling Eco Goddess so I am doing my best to be planet-friendly, both in what I am giving and asking for. I know there are a lot of eco goddesses in the same boat so I have been scouring the high street and internet for the most covetable things to add to your wishlist and here are my personal favourites:

1) Karin Andreasson necklace

Welcome the New Year in with this sweet and dreamy necklace that will look perfect with that stylish party dress! I am a big fan of all things fairytale-inspired and that is what designer Karin Andreasson specialises in. Made in the UK, the handmade sterling silver mirror is accompanied by a sterling silver, gold plated bow. At £119 I will have to wish hard but it will be worth it! Price: £119.

2) Little leather satchel

This bag is calling my name! Now I know leather is something that divides Eco Goddesses, but for those who do wear it (myself included), at least there are brands out there offering conscientious options! This little beauty of a bag is made by Shimalin, a small UK-based company that ensure that the skilled craftsmen and women that make their products are paid a fair wage. Part of the brand's 'Good Enough to Eat' collection (I second that!), the bag is available in four shades; Caramel (pictured left), Toffee, Chocolate and Liquorice. Priced around £70, they are currently only available in a few select boutiques around Sussex meaning you may have to search to get your hands on one. But with designs this delectable I hope they will be available far and wide soon! Stockists include; Apres Chocolat, Cordelia James, Covet, All Wrapped Up, Papillon and Pardon My French in Brighton. Price: around £70.

3) Sexy sustainable lingerie
If you are anything like me, you're the sort of girl who every now and again accidentally tucks your skirt into your knickers so at least make sure they make a statement. With designs this cute it might even become a trend! I love Hemprose's Hemptease panties which are a pocket-friendly £9.95, made from hemp and will literally help spread the Eco Goddess word! Hemp is fabulous as it doesn't require pesticides or heavy irrigation and these little numbers are available in grass green (pictured), chestnut brown, natural hemp and burnt orange. Price: £9.95.

Feel like a princess with a pair of handmade knickers from Knickers in a Box! Calling all guys looking for the perfect ethical and eco-friendly gift for their girlfriends: these super-sexy knickers are handmade meaning each pair is unique (just like your lady - come on I'm doing all the hard work for you!) Fabrics range from cottons to silk and with a range of styles you will be sure to find something to suit. They even make designs to order! Prices are around £35 per pair and they come wrapped in eco-friendly tissue paper, a transparent box and a satin ribbon. Girls, if your man is the type that needs a bit of help, write down the web address and leave it on his pillow (or games console depending on where he spends the most time, both to be on the safe side!) I am officially in knicker-love! Price: £35+.

4) Jacey Withers Gold & Silver Ship Earrings

Ahoy there! These British-made earrings are just...well...excellent. A wonderful gift for any wannabe-Pirate, these would look stunning with a simple top and a messy up-do. Price: £120.

5) H&M Organic nightwear

H&M are at the forefront of the eco and ethical movement on the high street. Their collection of 100% organic cotton nightwear is lovely and a bargain to boot. It includes cute nighties, thermal twin sets and comfy pj trousers. I already have a pair with a pretty pink and grey rose pattern and a satin waist tie and they were only £12.99! Price: £3.99 - £12.99.

6) Terra Plana Vianna Button Boot

At £200 the chance of me ever owning a pair of these boots is slim, but they are sooo pretty I felt it necessary to share them with you! The Victorian-inspired button detailing and light grey shade makes them ultra-feminine, yet they are practical enough for everyday wear. Made from vegetable tanned leather and featuring an eco memory foam sole, they really do tick all the boxes! Price: £200.

7) Sewing box

I am not much of a seamstress, however I do attempt as many repairs on clothes as possible. A new set of buttons is a great way to re-invent a coat or cardigan, especially when you can get so many cheap buttons in charity shops or at local markets. I think it is about time I invested in a box to keep all my buttons, threads and ribbons in and luckily there are lots of cute ones to choose from. John Lewis has really latched on to the burgeoning trend for 'Make do and Mend' with a range of budget sewing machines and adorable sewing boxes. Prices for sewing boxes range from £19-50+ depending on size. Alternatively, ebay has a wide selection of second-hand beauties. Price: £5-50.

8) Environmental Justice Foundation T-shirt

Cute designs for a good cause. The t-shirts are 100% organic cotton, the printing is Soil Association certified and the cotton is guaranteed not to come from Uzbekistan where there is widespread use of state-sponsored child labour. Loads of designers have teamed up with the EJF to create a stylish collection including Giles Deacon, Zhandra Rhodes, Luella Bartley, Christian Lacroix and John Rocha. My personal favourite is Betty Jackson's White Gold design (pictured). Price: £30.

9) Nubar nail polishes
Having been recently converted to Nubar's eco-friendly range in this post I am now hoping that Santa will bring me a few more shades to add to my collection. They are formaldehyde, phthalates, toluene and carcinogen free. I particularly like shades pretty pink Red Sea Coral, hot pink Contempo and deep red Barbera - a perfect cranberry shade for winter. Price: £8.

10) Stocking fillers:
Jergens Natural Moisturiser: paraben free, cruelty free, made in the UK and around 95% natural ingredients. Oh and they smell great too.
Body Shop Organic Cotton Wool Rounds: so much softer than the rest!
Divine Chocolate: is what it says on the label! It's fairtrade and was started by cocoa farmers in Ghana; it remains 45% farmer-owned. I love the Orange Milk Chocolate bar, but hope I get to try a few others this Christmas!
Williamson Teas: I have developed a slightly unhealthy addiction to these fair trade teas. Delicately flavoured and available in lovely elephant gift tins, they look simply splendid in the kitchen and can be used as storage tins when finished.

For more information visit:

1) http://www.ceriseuk.com/ ,

2) http://www.shimalin.com/ , 

3) http://www.hemprose.co.uk/ , http://www.knickersinabox.co.uk/

4) http://www.ceriseuk.com/

5) http://www.hm.com/
6) http://www.ascensiononline.com/
7) http://www.johnlewis.com/ , http://www.ebay.co.uk/
8) http://www.ejfoundation.org/
9) http://www.beautyshed.co.uk/
10) http://www.jergens.co.uk/ , http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/ , http://www.divinechocolate.com/ , http://www.williamsontea.com/

Facts: 1) Made in the UK, 2) Fairtrade 3) i) Made from hemp, ii) Handmade, 4) Made in the UK, 5) 100% Organic, 6) Terra Plana, vegetable tanned leather 7) Make do and mend, vintage, 8) 100% Organic Cotton, Soil Association Certified 9) Free from formaldehyde, phthalates, toluene and carcinogens, 10) Natural ingredients, Organic cotton, Fairtrade.

TRAIDremade.... rockin the fringed leather look!

by Lorna

Another amazing ethical bag find!

I have just found a KILLER edgy, tough-look fringed SLOUCH BAG! Its from fashion-conscience and is part of a TRAIDremade collaboration they are doing with the charity TRAID.

The bag has long handles for wearing across the body but is adjustable to sling over your arm as well. It has zip closure underflap and back zip pocket. These bags exude a LUXE RECYCLED vibe as they are lined in rescued silk fabric. Each bag is unique and may vary slightly as they are made from rescued garments!

At £99 from www.fashion-conscience.com , the bags only come in black but when the black version looks this good, who needs colour!?!

Facts: Handmade in the UK, Sustainable & Recycled, TRAIDremade

Matt & Nat Handbags- Recycled bottles never looked so good!

by Lorna

Whilst I generally try and avoid jumping on a bandwagon, I have just done what any self-respecting young designer should do and invested in a macbook pro (yes it is as awesome as they say!). But this essential work related purchase left me with the (modern)age old dilemma... what is the perfect answer for a fashionable, stylish and ethical tote/laptop bag to cart it around in???

After a few late nights spent trawling the web, I have found the eco-friendly and stylish-as-hell answer to all future carrying needs! Introducing Matt & Nat....  

Matt & Nat is a collection of design focused, eco friendly and vegan accessories. Vegan leather is used in the majority of the collection and all linings are made from RECYCLED PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES. A message inside of each bag tells you exactly how many bottles were recycled to produce your bag of choice!

This season Matt & Nat have developed even further in their pursuit of total environmental responsibility and for AW 09 have launched the‘ MATT & NAT’S 21 WATER BOTTLE INITIATIVE’- a range of stylish bags where the shell is also made using recycled plastic water bottles (see image above). Up to 55 water bottles are recycled to make each bag. I'm not sure I can think of a better use for old water bottles than making and lining these lush bags!!

The bags range purses at £40 to overnight luggage bags at £195 and are available from  www.mattandnat.co.uk 

Check out a few of my favs from their collection below...

Lorna x