Gorgeous casuals for summer

by Naomi


The weather has been so nice over the past couple of weeks it's got me thinking about my summer wardrobe, particularly as I'm progressively replacing my existing wardrobe with eco and ethical pieces. There are some fab pieces just in, so here are a few of the best!

The stripey ruffle on this organic cotton dress from People Tree (£48) adds a cute twist to a versatile staple.

This organic cotton playsuit also from People Tree (£28) is perfect for the beach, the pub, festivals, holiday - need any more excuses to indulge?!

I love this layered blouse (£42), a casual and summery take on the classic white shirt, and it is perfect for work and play! From People Tree, it's made in Bangladesh from handwoven cotton.

Appease the rain gods (or goddesses!) with a stylish homage in the shape of this lovely little Umbrella vest top from People Tree (£32). Team with these organic classic skinnies by Monkee Genes, from Ascension (£50).

Facts: People Tree: organic cotton dress, £48, organic cotton playsuit, £28, layered handwoven cotton blouse £42, Umbrella vest top, £32. Ascension: Monkee Genes in organic cotton, £50.

Candy colours to tempt your sweet tooth!

by Naomi

Over-indulged on Easter eggs? Satisfy your craving for sugar with some classic pieces in pastel shades. Lilac, lavender, spearmint green, lemon yellow, cream and baby pink are all hot shades for summer so team these nail varnishes with some of the latest eco and ethical fashion creations.

This Jackpot pointelle pullover available from Ascension is a wonderful shade of apricot and made from organic cotton (£50).

Also from Ascension is this cutesy dress by one of its new brands, Slowmotion: made from organic cotton (£54).

Article 23's pale blue organic cotton Polo Dress (£25) is perfect for summer; team with white plimsolls and a spot of tennis if you're feeling energetic!

For a beautiful and versatile investment, this lace blazer by Tara Starlet will take you from work to cocktail bar and from beer garden to wedding. Available in pink (pictured), white, nude and blue/grey (£56).

Last but not least, team your pastel purchases with these strappy numbers from Terra Plana (£95).

Enjoy! x

Ascension: organic cotton Pullover by Jackpot, organic cotton Dress by Slowmotion. Article 23: organic cotton Polo Dress. Tara Starlet: Lace Blazer made in the UK. Terra Plana: Audrey Nude strappy sandals.

Happy Easter! Happy Ascension!

By Lorna

To help us celebrate the Easter hols the lovely people at Ascension have given us 15% off EVERYTHING!!! Awesome! Just treat yourself and your loved ones to a little present and enter the code EASTER15 at the check out. Easy peasy.


Better for you than chocolate eggs!!.... although I will be lying if I am not tempted to tuck into a few Green & Black organic ones! YUM!


Happy Easter from EcoGoddess!  x


www.ascensiononline.com 

Give your wardrobe the boot!

by Naomi

The summer boot.

It is a concept that, until recently, didn't seem to make sense to me. But the writing on the catwalk dressing-room wall is that boots are hot for Spring/Summer 2010, so perhaps it is time for me to open my mind, and my closet to these stylish hybrid concoctions!

Whilst my initial reaction was one of fear and confusion (surely summer boots are a recipe for discomfort and overheating? And what will this mean for my pretty summer sandals?) I have to admit some of the designs are pretty gorgeous, and their trans-seasonal beauty makes them perfect investment purchases. Plus if last year's summer is anything to go by, boots could become a summer staple!

If you are contemplating summer boots, it is essential to stick to two golden rules: keep them light or bright in colour and opt for lightweight fabrics and/or cut-out detailing to keep your tooties comfortable!

These victorian-inspired styles by WHERE are chimney-sweep chic, and made from washed canvas and oily goat leather by artisans paid a fair wage.

Olsenhaus shoes are vegan and made in factories that "are personally checked for ethical practices and environmental impact." I love the combination of electric blue and nude in these cut-out bondage 'Fate' shoe-boots ($220). The 'Star' shoe-boot ($240) is super versatile and in a shade of red that will perk up any outfit from jeans and a t-shirt to a floaty dress.

United Nations is the sister company to Terra Plana and its architectural Fold Hi design in Cotton Candy (£175) are a triple-scoop ice cream of a boot perfect for picnics, shopping, dinner, cocktails and oh so much more!

These are some of the best from eco and ethical designers. Don't forget to also raid vintage shops for second-hand cowboy boots that give a hazy-summer's-day-in-the-mid-west feel (even if you are in a rainy Blighty!)

Find out more at

www.wherefashion.co.uk

http://www.olsenhaus.com/

www.unitednude.com

Facts: Eco and ethical boots. WHERE handmade footwear made by artisans and small producers paid a fair wage and using natural and environmentally friendly materials. Olsenhaus vegan footwear animal-free, cruelty-free and made with human rights and the environment in mind. United Nation footwear, sister company to Terra Plana.

Hydrate with Vivienne Westwood!

By Naomi

I am absolutely addicted to unhealthy fizzy drinks, so I have made it my mission to drink more water. I have been in the (bad) habit of buying drinks in plastic bottles when I’m out and about, and then feeling guilty about it.

When I discovered that Swiss reusable bottle manufacturers SIGG had teamed up with designer-extraordinaire Vivienne Westwood, it seemed like they had heard my cry for a stylish and eco-friendly way to hydrate myself!

The collaboration aims to build awareness around the issue of the environmental damage caused by purchasing and throwing away plastic, and will see three limited edition bottles launched over the course of 2010. Timed to coincide with the main fashion shows in February, June and September, the first was launched last month. There are a limited number still available on the SIGG webshop for £18 plus p&p.

Featuring the Vivienne Westwood logo and a bold call to ‘Act Fast and Slow Down!’ the bottle epitomises Westwood’s valiant approach to both life and fashion. I never thought I would lust after a bottle, but this is like a piece of drinking couture!

Find out more at www.sigg.com

Facts: SIGG reusable aluminium bottle, designed by Vivienne Westwood, £18.

Moss goes Mozzy-free!

by Naomi

Who knew that protection from mosquitoes could be so chic? 

Respect must be paid to innovative London designer William Tempest for creating this little LGD (that's little grey dress) from panels of recycled mosquito nets! Kate Moss has donned the one-off dress for Sports Relief, to help raise awareness of malaria, which kills one child every 30 seconds in Africa.

Sculpted and corseted in Tempest's signature style, the dress has come a long way from its origins protecting people from mosquitoes! The nets are one of the easiest and most effective ways of preventing the spread of malaria.

For more information, visit the Sports Relief website.

Eco floral explosion at H&M this spring

By Lorna

H&M deserve a medal for this new collection, or at very least a big gold star!!

Romantic, exotic and abstract, the Garden Collection says it with flowers. The floral looks are inspired by sun-drenched landscapes, chlorophyll-green gardens and a chic updated version of 70s flower power. The collection boasts ultra feminine chiffon dresses made from recycled polyester (made from PET bottles or textile waste), super soft beige lightweight anoraks made from tencel (a renewable material with minimal environmental impact) and a whole host of floral printed organic cotton dresses, shorts and tops. The romantic garden collection is made entirely from sustainable, organic and recycled materials!

The Garden Collection launches officially on the 25th March, but I went into my local H&M to see if any of it was already in store. What I found was some truly gorgeous pieces from the range (loving the floral shorts) and a lot more besides...

H&M have impressively avoided the standard high street ‘lip service’ to the ethical fashion market and instead have presented a truly BEAUTIFUL floral inspired collection. This collection is only the tip of their complete commitment to pushing organic and sustainable fashion. H&M are members of the Organic Exchange, which is a non-profit, member based organization dedicated to expanding the organic cotton market and other sustainable textiles. As well as ‘green tags’ on the Garden collection, I found green tags on a whole host of other garments across the store. Lots of the women’s basics are now made from organic cotton, also men’s polo shirts and PJ trousers and even some accessories. As I wandered around the store, I kept finding more and more green tags, a lush bleached denim puff sleeve shirt made from Tencel, organic cotton Paris style striped t-shirts, organic linen tailored shorts, organic cotton maternity tops, the list went on.

This Garden collection is the initiation of something really accessible, affordable (£6.99- £34.99) and beautiful and I feel massively inspired that such an iconic high street store has made such a big commitment to creating fashion forward sustainable clothes. H&M have now set the benchmark for other high street retailers to live up to, they have proved it is possible to keep the price down and make beautiful sustainable product. I for one will definitely be in store on March the 25th buying this beautiful red dress (at £29.99) if nothing else!

Go tribal with eco prints

by Naomi

Tribal prints are going to be huge this summer so embrace your inner tribeswoman with these gorgeous, vibrant pieces.

Komodo is a member of the Made By initiative, which helps brands improve the social, economic and environmental conditions under which they produce. This Prism dress is made of cotton and available from Ascension for £70.

ASOS has just launched ASOS Africa, a brand working with artisans and small producers in Africa. The results are pretty exciting; juicy brights, muted nudes and geometric prints in easy-to-wear summer separates.

Cotton Printed Jumpsuit £75

Cotton Printed Harem Pants £50

Cotton Printed Tie-Waist Shorts £40

Facts: Komodo: Made By, cotton dress. ASOS: ASOS Africa, small producers and local artisans, cotton jumpsuit, harem pants and tie-waist shorts.

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.

Nancy Dee rocks our world!

by Lorna

It’s a really good sign when you find a new ethical label and are already deciding in your head which of the dresses/ jumpsuits will become top of your current wishlist! This happened with Nancy Dee. Specialists in “day to night jersey” the Nancy Dee look is heavily influenced by retro prints and vintage-inspired shapes. I love love love the prints and the sassy style of the cuts. The ethos of the label is to create directional, versatile pieces that translate easily from home to office to evenings out. All fabrics are made from natural and sustainable sources, such as super soft soy bean, luxurious bamboo and organic cotton and the collection is produced at Fairtrade factories in India. The eco conscious sisters who run the label, Tamsin and Seraphina, are on a mission to prove that jersey doesn’t always have to mean casual! Don’t take their word for it though, check out these lovely jersey pieces...

These dresses are so gorgeous in fact, that half of the styles on the website have already sold out! Luckily here at Eco Goddess headquarters we’ve had a sneaky peek at the new collection and it is truly luscious! This is not the last we’ve seen of Nancy Dee and thank goodness!!

Check out the current collection and sample sale here www.nancydee.co.uk

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.

Ethical Designer May Cortazzi shortlisted for UK Fashion Entrepreneur 2010!

By Lorna

Exciting Eco Fashion news!!!

Ethical designer May Cortazzi (previously featured here!) has been shortlisted as a finalist for the UK Fashion Entrepreneur Awards 2010. The shortlist of five was announced at a ceremony at London Fashion Week, selected by Paul Alger, of UK Fashion Exports, Maurice Mullen, Head of fashion at Evening Standard, legendary designer Anne Tyrell and Sarah Mower, the ambassador for Emerging talent at The British Fashion Council.

The shortlist was selected after 12 finalists presented their thoughts and ideas of developing the fashion industry in the UK. Finalists will visit Indonesia in March, on a tour that aims to provide a ‘short hand’ of the industry with the chance to meet industry leaders as well as peers, to understand how business is done there. This is an amazing opportunity for talented individuals to increase their international networks and gain valuable insights.

May is the founder of ethical fashion label Regenerate Clothing, director of fashion at Shop (based in Nottingham) and an ethical fashion campaigner and mentor.
She comments on the news,

"I am thrilled to be on the Shortlist. I feel honored and extremely lucky that I have this opportunity to expand our networks for Regenerate Clothing and Shop both nationally through the Young Creative Entrepreneurs Network and Internationally! I am really looking forward to travelling to Indonesia with The British Council and understanding more about art and fashion culture out there, and hopefully will be able to build some life long business relationships."

This award champions those who are passionate about fashion, innovators looking for entrepreneurial ways to move the UK fashion industry forward and looking to broaden their international business opportunities build network.

For more information on May Cortazzi please visit:-www.regenerateclothing.com

http://www.viewtheshop.co.uk/

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.

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