Musings à la Mode

Bruce Davidson

2011-05-20T22:23:00.001+01:00

If I could have anyone's career, it would be photographer Bruce Davidson's. I especially love the first and the last photos...

Dancing for People Tree

2011-05-05T23:03:00.002+01:00

An ode to Brighton

2011-05-04T21:26:00.000+01:00

Brighton Beach, Brighton Marathon, The Bee's Mouth

FLY!

2011-05-01T10:30:00.005+01:00

Little Brass Fly Figurine from sarakatehuff.

Oh my God. This is so cool I think I just bought it ... with my mind. Don't click on the link ... cus you can't have it!!!

You can have him though

Happy Sunday!

Emma H x

I know what we did last summer

2011-04-27T09:39:00.000+01:00

I found these photos the other day from a photo shoot with did with the amazing Steve George last summer and thought I would share them now. I love the Zara jacket I'm wearing here although I have to admit I chickened out a few days later and took it back! It just seemed too bold, which seems so strange now considering that I have happily been wearing electric blue trousers (also Zara I'm afraid- I struggled against them in an effort to stay ethical but longed for some bright colour in my wardrobe and couldn't find a reasonable fairtrade alternative. I'm going to have to invoke the 'I'll wear them to death' excuse!) and am eyeing up some bright orange clothes. What a difference a year makes....

I'm glad to know that I've become braver, even if it is just with my clothes!

Be My Baby

2011-04-26T19:38:00.004+01:00

Just because Ms Paradis- Depp is and was so cool. And because both of these videos somehow fit with the warm weather and long bank holidays.

Peacebomb

2011-04-05T22:10:00.001+01:00

Peacebomb bracelets from Article 22...what an amazing idea.
Reclaimed bombs from Laos handcrafted into bracelets.

'Buy back the bomb'.

So simple, so filled with meaning.
Love the pictures too..

You can read the whole story and buy the bracelets at Article 22.

THE ST

Richie Loop- Good Memories

2011-03-31T12:07:00.001+01:00

I don't understand it- 'my cup stays in my cup'?!- but I love it and it reminds me of why I want to live in the Caribbean. Thank you Em H. and Jules- bring on the rum!

Triple Canopy

2011-03-31T11:55:00.001+01:00

Triple Canopy's 'She goes covered' is a fascinating article that I found through Etsy- it tells you all about wig makers and the human hair trade. I love learning about these very specialised aspects of our society that often go unremarked and unacknowledged.

It also reminded me of how little we realise the strange journey that a lot of the products we see around us have made- the wig Beyonce is wearing on stage started out as long hair cut from a woman in a small village in Peru.

she goes covered

by Julia Sherman

Following the global hair trade, from the braid-laden Peruvian highlands to the sheitel machers of Borough Park.

Eat, Pray, Love for this house!

2011-03-27T18:09:00.000+01:00

I would eat, pray, and love pretty much whatever you told me to for this house.

I don't even mind that I've revealed to you that I've seen the film...that's how much I want to be living in this house as soon as possible.

Preferably somewhere as warm and tropical as Bali..I'm not sure how pleasant this layout would be in Slough.

Giddy Spinster Stiletto Planters

2011-03-26T15:01:00.008Z

"The concept is about hard-working women, the increasingly artificial

nature of American femininity, and the impossible images that women

face in our society. It's a prickly, spiky, sticky situation..."

Indeed.
Love em or hate em. I think these upcycled stilettos are cool.

If you want one in your house but sadly not on your foot, get one here.

Read more about cringingly cool shoe planter mastermind Rachel Mahlke here. She's cool too.

Brights & Stripes from Fair+True

2011-03-04T09:36:00.002Z

Thank God for the resurgence of COLOUR this season. I felt trapped a khaki-beige fog. The start of a new season is always a bad time for me. Fashion feels new, fresh and exciting and I always find myself wanting to add to my already bulging wardrobe. So far I have managed to keep a firm grip on my purse strings, even though I only shop ethically part of that is not buying things just for the sake of it, even if it is from Oxfam. Anyway, if I do relent I will most certainly be buying one of the above ensembles from Fair+true, made from modal in the UK. Orange is my absolute favourite colour ... I'm thinking with the pink vest for some serious spring colour therapy.

A home in Uraguay

2011-03-02T09:00:00.002Z

The most perfect home. I'd just have lighter walls because I'm obsessed with light. but completely perfect. other than that.

From DTI

Naughty Shorts Tea Dress for Em (J)

2011-03-01T17:56:00.006Z

Just cus we're apart doesn't mean that I can't go virtual ethical shopping for you Em. Just so you know you're still in my thoughts here are two oh so pretty upcycled tea dresses I can totally see on you and your beautiful self.

Buy them here from NaughtyShorts on etsy, found via Blossomnbirds.

Em H xx

Isabel Marant VS bibico

2011-02-28T22:24:00.005Z

Isabel Marant SS2011

Bibico AW2010

I have recently developed an obssession with this isabel marant knit which i could buy from a Brighton boutique for a pretty penny. However, bibico, my go-to label for fabulous fair trade knits has this pretty amazing alternative now on sale for 30 quid! a tenth of the price and 100% hand knitted.

check it out. buy it. email me for my address if you'd like to treat me. :)

Note: I love bibico, but their model shots rarely do their beautiful garments justice. I'm lucky enough to see them in the flesh before they go on sale and am telling you, everything they make is even more gorgeous in real life.

Happy Friday

2011-02-25T22:39:00.003Z

Even though I'm in Trinidad and I'm not meant to be lifting a finger I had to re-post this image via Desire to Inspire.
Oh those chairs, and that table, and the artwork, and the mirror.

Here Comes the Sun...soon..I hope.

2011-02-02T23:30:00.000Z

So...once the sun starts to set on the beautiful hot summer's day Em H. and I are imagining and we've had coffee in town wearing the classic People Tree striped top and comfy-chic (you heard it here first!) trousers...here is what I picture changing into for cocktails (Pina Colada of course) and dancing!

Very early Tom Cruise in 'Cocktail' don't ya think?

Both vintage pieces courtesy of one of my favorite Etsy shops- Tw in Hearts Vintage.

It's time

2011-01-30T09:58:00.005Z

It's time the divine Ms E (J) and I unfurled ourselves from our woeful winter slump and embraced the new year.

Can't wait until it's warm enough to slip into these easy organic Fairtrade (and Fair Trade) jersey separates from People Tree.

Happy belated new year!

We're back.

Fold Away Desk

2010-12-22T09:02:00.002Z

I know this is inappropriately non-Christmassy but I am still looking for a desk!! Plus, it's not like you can't add last year's tinsel.

(Source: unknown ... I saved it as 'nice room table' which is of absolutely no help)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMA H.!!!

2010-12-15T21:28:00.000Z

Happy Birthday Em H.! I won't be able to see you till Friday but I'm sending you virtual cakes until I can bring you real ones! You are going to have such an amazing year. xxLovexx Em J.

Virtual Birthday Cakes courtesy of Charlotte Farmer at To Dry For.

Knocked Up

2010-12-15T09:02:00.002Z

Yeah, so the paint job leaves a LOT to be desired but the rest of this room fascinates me. Every time I look at this picture I clock just how makeshift everything is, literally thrown together from scraps, and yet I still love it. It works somehow and prob cost 5 bucks. Love.

(Source: unknown again! Before the days of cataloguing my inspiration pictures)

Haw-Lin

2010-12-14T23:26:00.000Z

On my walk home from work I was feeling completely wound up and anxious about all the things I need to do before Christmas, all the money that I have spent and still need to spend to buy presents....all the usual Christmas list-making and brain hyperactivity.

And this site was mentioned in Easy Living- Haw-Lin- just images, no words. I love it! It has calmed me right down. It had almost the same effect hearing 'Beat it' followed by 'Let's get physical' on the radio the other day had on me- I forgot all the lists and the worrying. I have to admit to dancing in my tiny kitchen to those two songs was maybe a teensy bit more fun!

The site also completely suits my schizophrenic tastes, and it's nice to see I'm not the only one who seems to like wildly different styles, ethics, arts, and dare I say price-brackets.

P.S.: The site features ladies buttocks rather heavily- Haw-lin is obviously a fan...they ARE pretty amazing Haw-Lin, you're right.

I Died and so did the couch

2010-12-08T09:02:00.001Z

Ok, so it's a little battered but this couch is the reason I LOVE OLD STUFF so much. It's so perfectly worn and brought to life again by embroidered cushions and a throw. See, why buy new, when you could have that in your life??

(Source: An Indian Summer)

Shoe Dilemma: El Naturalista vs the Highstreet

2010-12-06T12:49:00.008Z

Since taking this vow of abstinence from the highstreet I feel like I am constantly in a state of searching. Searching for that battered desk, for a snug black winter coat, for that perfectly printed leopard jumper, searching for those flawlessly formed ankle boots that will carry me from outfit to outfit through the darkest, snowiest of winter days.

With shoes, this whole not buying from the highstreet thing poses a bit of a conundrum. I need shoes I can stand all day in, they need to keep me warm, match most of my wardrobe and magically elongate my stumpy legs, all for the smallest price possible. And I have to like 'em too.

Ethical shoes, in any capacity of the word, that meet the above criteria are hard to find and so I set about creating new parameters that allowed shoe purchasing from the highstreet. This involved discerning the place of origin, Portugal, Italy and Spain being preferable due to dying culture of shoemaking, and noting the materials used.

After dragging round the shops for five hours, mother in tow, I came home with two candidates.

Candidate 1: El Naturalista Ambar Boots in Ebano featuring vegetable dyed leather, recycled rubber (and porridge) soles and a whole lot of heart
&

Candidate 2: Jones Bootmakers Ollie in Black Suede, origin unknown (most Jones' boots are made in Spain and I went with it mostly cus I was desperate, freezing and hungry)

After much in-house wearing ... and a whole lot of soul searching (no pun intended) El Naturalista won hands down (the Ollies have been returned).

There's so much to say about my new boots that I'm going to have to give them a post of their own but it was satisfying to know that I didn't have to abandon my values to find the winter shoes I'd been searching for.

Uk Uncut Protests

2010-12-05T21:20:00.000Z

I really liked this article on the Guardian website and thought I would share:

Anti-cuts protesters force Topshop to close its flagship store.
Arcadia boss Philip Green and Vodafone accused of tax avoidance
Tracy McVeigh
Sunday December 5 2010
The Observer
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/dec/05/cuts-protesters-close-topshop
Campaigners took over Sir Philip Green's flagship London Topshop store yesterday, forcing it to close its doors on one of the busiest trading days of the year, as sit-ins and protests were staged across Britain against tax avoidance by rich individuals and big businesses.
The Arcadia retail group tycoon and businesses including Vodafone, Barclays and Boots are the focus of rising anger over government cuts that campaigners say could be avoided if alleged tax dodging were stamped out, bringing in some ?25bn a year to the public purse.
In Brighton, protesters superglued themselves to Topshop's window, while security guards in Oxford Street bundled reporters and protesters out of the store before around 70 to 80 demonstrators, chanting "Philip Green pay your tax", left voluntarily and moved on to Arcadia's BHS store, which also had to be closed to shoppers, as did a Vodafone shop.
Green, recently made an adviser on public spending by David Cameron, is under fire because his wife, his firm's direct owner, lives in Monaco, a tax haven.
Amid growing disquiet over spending cuts, the latest protests took place in Birmingham, Glasgow, York, Bristol, Manchester and Nottingham, under the banner of "UK Uncut" ? a new movement that is gathering support via social networking sites.
One protester, Ed Greens, 20, from north-west London, said: "We know Topshop owes the government tax. Together with companies like Vodafone, big businesses owe ?126bn. We are taking direct action on companies like Topshop ."
Eileen Smith, 78, said. "I support anyone who is fighting hese terrible cuts. How dare this government say we are all in this together when 24 members of the cabinet are millionaires and men like Philip Green and his cronies are feted. The hypocrisy is sickening."
Her friend Mary, 64, agreed: "And don't let anyone say this protest is hijacked by anarchists. If anything, it's hijacked by pensioners!"
UK Uncut held similar protests in October after Vodafone settled a large tax avoidance claim with the government but paid a lot less than expected.
James Kelly, a spokesman for UK Uncut, said: "Tax avoidance is a big issue and we believe this is the alternative to the cuts the government are making."

Winter Warmers - The FAIR Shop Shoot

2010-12-04T14:45:00.014Z

Well Miss J I have some ideas for winter warmers and you're in them! You absolute stunner. You and Steve rocked that day so big HUGE thank you to the both of you for dealing with my bossiness and producing some beautiful photographs for FAIR.

Emma wears People Tree and Ideo Winter Warmers all available now from FAIR.

God this girl is a beauty!

Emma H xx

Photography: Steve George Styling: By me

Snow!

2010-12-03T22:07:00.001Z

This is what I saw on my way to work this morning...
Time to hunt out some Fairtrade snow attire I think. I'll do some research and get back to you.
In the meantime I can recommend Divine's hot chocolate powder and M&S' Fairtrade chocolate chip cookies...

My endless search for that perfect desk.

2010-12-01T22:14:00.002Z

I am desperately seeking a beautifully battered desk from which to blog. My apple crate shelves are screwed firmly to the wall with nothing to sit underneath them. Sometimes I curse my relentless pursuit of old home furnishings, especially as I never make the time to go to one of the big antiques fairs to get what I need. I rely instead on other people doing so and bringing their goods home to Brighton for me to pick from (at a jacked up price of course). One year later and I'm still deskless ... and chest of drawers less ... and dining table less - you get the picture.

(Source: An Indian Summer)

Imaginations

2010-11-29T22:28:00.000Z

I love this idea! Now I'm trying to figure out what I would have collaged to my vintage globe...

Eco-Optics- Winter Sunglasses!

2010-11-26T09:05:00.002Z

Look Em! Perfect winter sunglasses! Em H. is the master at rocking sunglasses all year round. I found these by following your link to Ecouterre.com, where I saw a big giveaway with eco-prizes selected by eco-model (that's a lot of eco!) Summer Rayne Oakes (could she ever have been anything but an eco-model?! Summer Rayne- hedge fund manager?! Love her name though) where I found....Eco-Optics! Super cool sunglasses made from recycled metal and plastic and plants a tree for every pair sold. And that folks is how I spend my evenings..falling down one web link into Wonderland. Check out the cool sunglasses I found down there (all for $129):

Glitter Ball Graveyard

2010-11-25T10:09:00.000Z

Personally, I couldn't think of a better use for a danced-out disco ball (or ten). I've had my eye on several in my local antique market but unfortunately don't have any stairs to stick 'em too. God help me when I have a house.

(Source: unknown ... again)

Chance Recycled Denim Handbag

2010-11-24T10:27:00.004Z

This is the bag that won the Ecouterre Recycled Denim Challenge and, for those of you who appreciate a London accent, it is WELL nice. Designed by Miranda Chance, each bag is hand woven from strips of recycled* denim and trimmed with material from old leather coats. Even better news, it is now available for purchase from the inhabitat shop for a mere $200.
But, if $200 isn't in your budget, this coming Cyber Monday** the Inhabitat Shop is offering an exclusive 2 DAY FLASH HALF PRICE SALE on this la-la-la-lovely bag! Sale starts at 9am on Monday November 29. If you want to reserve one of these and are interested in pre-ordering email the inhabitat peeps at inhabitat@gmail.com.

* I think it's actually upcycled rather than recycled

** To be honest didn't have a bloody clue what cyber monday is but apparently it "is a marketing term for the Monday immediately following Black Friday, the Friday following Thanksgiving Day in the United States." Thanks wikipedia!!

PS Chance also entered this bag into the competition - which i LOVE and voted for. It also stirred up a pretty interesting debate in the comments which I couldn't resist taking part in ... read it here.

Emma H xx

Minimalism to beat the bric a brac blues

2010-11-23T22:04:00.001Z

My living space is feeling VERY cluttered right now...so beat those bric a brac blues I give you this bright, calm minimalism found on Emma's Design Blog. Soothing to a harassed hoarder's soul...this is about as minimalist as I could go by the way!

Thank you Sfgirlbybay for Pure Green

2010-11-18T22:26:00.000Z

I have been a dedicated daily reader of Sfgirlbybay's blog for well over a year. It was one of the first blogs that really had me hooked and showed me the what blogs are capable of. I always discover great things on Victoria's blog and wanted to share this particular find with you- Pure Green Living Magazine.

Sfgirlbybay posted about this online magazine yesterday and I spent the rest of the evening reading through Pure Green- I found loads of good Christmas ideas, new Etsy sellers, ethical businesses and fantastic interiors images. I enjoyed it and I think you might too...

Etsy Thursday

2010-11-18T09:01:00.001Z

I love the blog Sweet Paul by the stylist Paul Lowe, I have already swooned over Paul's recycling and decorating ideas here. I also happen to be in LOVE with Etsy and all the handmade, recycled, vintage goodness that it brings to my life and hopefully to yours. So I was quite excited to see that Mr Lowe had written a feature on the Etsy blog about book art, now as someone who shares her living space with LOTS of books and doesn't even like to fold the corner of one page of a book, I find the idea of ripping, cutting and gluing books both liberating and terrifying.

I guess I should let go once in a while and break some rules...I'd better find me some second hand books...

Here is some inspiration from Etsy and Paul Lowe:

Reclaimed Art

2010-11-17T10:05:00.000Z

Love the whole junk as art thang going on in this photo. Now I just need some old radiators ... and a new flat big enough to house all my junk as art.

(Source: eeek unknown again)

Fashion Hysteria and Controlling the Urge to Splurge

2010-11-16T09:00:00.002Z

About six times a year I turn into a crazy person. I become possessed by a desperate urge to frantically tear through the shops and spend money I don't have on clothes I don't need (something I have already documented here). I spend hours trailing through less-than-ethical websites imagining the outer limits of my fabulocity in all the gorgeously cheap clothes available at a click of a button ("if only I had that dress my wardrobe would be complete". Sound familiar?). There was a time when I would allow myself to satiate the cravings created by cunning teams of marketers but those times are no more. So, how do I keep the urge to splurge on fast fashion under wraps?

1. Avoidance. I stay away from the highstreet and the websites I can't say no to.

1a. If it's too late and I find myself in a shop or on a site about to check out I Stop (yes with a capital S), walk away (or close the site), breathe and realise I'm ok without it!

2. Charity Shops help to take the edge off. I often hit up my local Shelter or Oxfam where a granny chic tea dress for under a tenner regulates my heart rate. Plus it doesn't count if it's for charity!

3. I swish! I have started swishing. Basically attending clothes swap parties where due to a combination of alcohol and adrenaline I unleash my inner crazy on the rails of other peoples' clothes and have come away with some serious gems. More on that later.

4. If I really do have a hole in my wardrobe I look for an ethical alternative. There is a lot to choose from; Fair Trade, Upcycled, Recycled, Vintage and second hand. Spending time seeking something out makes a purchase all the more special.

5. Another good tip is to put items you LOVE on hold or make a wishlist online. Walk away and come back to it later. I have to relent and say it's ok to buy something you really love, even if it is from the highstreet, if you think it really will be something you'll love forever. but don't use this as an excuse to buy whatever you want!! Em and I will be compiling a list on how to be more ethically aware when shopping on the high street at a later date.

Hope this helps!

Emma H xx

PS I don't really use the word 'fabulocity' - I'm just highlighting the ridiculousness of my desire to buy everything. Don't judge.

Update: I took a vow of abstinence from the highstreet in August so I don't buy from any highstreet chain stores any more. For a shopaholic like me it's not always easy but it's proving to be very rewarding and forcing me to be more creative.

Sunday Swishing

2010-11-15T09:01:00.000Z

Swishtini! It was pink and tasted of pineapple...what's not to like?!

Preparing the swishing rails ready for us to devour them like locusts. Thrifty locusts...

Swishtinis and afternoon tea before the hunt begins.

The Landsdowne Place Hotel bar, where the event was held.

A glamorous browser

Em H. in action!

The 'I found treasure!' face

This is the face both of us were making when we had to outrace someone to an item- Swishing Anxiety!

Em H. looking fab in her new swished blue silk romper- is romper the right word?! She looked FAB in it whatever it's called....

Me with my swishing hoard...I left with more than I brought! good swishing but not so good for my our overflowing flat.. Can I also just mention my current favorite scarf as worn in this picture- an amazing alpaca one from People Tree's last winter collection...wonder if they have a version this year...?

The crazy lime yellow 80's mac that I love and probably completely falsely believe I can get away with!

Oh yeah! I can totally rock this bright yellow coat thing! I am THAT cool! hmmmm....

Ecostasy

2010-11-11T09:01:00.002Z

I've discovered a new fairtrade, environmentally conscious, development orientated, craft loving website! Just about everything Em&Em look for in a bookmarkable website.

Please excuse the grainy photos- I couldn't take them off the Ecostasy site (despite being sick to death of the vague and ubiquitous word 'eco', I'm quite liking this name..) so I had to borrow off Google images. Definitely go and check out the knitted pillows, the jewellery- very simple, very stylish- and the basketry- so beautiful.

If I weren't stuck in the minimum wage job+large family at Christmas conundrum I'd be buying some 'labyrinth pillows' and as many baniwa baskets as I could manage!

Even as a cash-strapped blogger I can recommend reading their sourcing principles- they are exactly the kind of informative tid-bits that actually specify what all this fair trade effort is about!

Tinctory- hues of beauty

2010-11-10T22:07:00.001Z

Hand sewn by a self-taught seamstress/artist called Eva. Hand-dyed by Eva from plants she grows herself. Sold on her website Tinctory.

So beautiful.

My obsession with Fish in Frames

2010-11-10T21:02:00.000Z

I am currently collecting a bunch of beaten up old frames to house my growing collection of friends' art and photographs. As I refuse to take a trip down to Habitat it's taking me a lot longer than I'd like. I'm also completely obsessed with drawings of fish (is that normal?) so had to share this pic!

(Source: unknown ... prob desire to inspire)

Nicole Mibane Ring Fetish

2010-11-09T10:31:00.000Z

Anyone who knows me knows I have a serious ring fetish, the bigger the better. This one just caught my eye on fashion-conscience and it's hit me hard. I want it!! It reminds me of an ornamental bowl of raw amethysts my dad collected from Africa in the 70s that I used to play with as a child. The only thing is I'm not quite sure what makes this ring ethical. It's handmade by jewellery designer Nicole Mibane but all that fashion-conscience says is that it 'is hand-made from stones sourced locally to the designer'. What does that mean??! I'm confused and need more information. Amethysts are mined and I'm not the biggest fan of mining and don't think it is great for the environment or people who work on the mines (depending on where they come from). Maybe I should offer her my dad's amethysts that are collecting dust somewhere so she can add upcycled to her credentials??

RELUXE Leather Shorts

2010-11-08T09:00:00.000Z

So mad I missed getting a pair of these upcycled leather shorts from RELUXE. love love love the shape - I am so in to shorts atm. Only £42 as well!! Grrrrr. There is one pair left in size 14 if there are any takers!

Sneak Peek

2010-11-07T10:31:00.003Z

I coerced Emma J into modelling for a shoot we did for the winter collection at FAIR. She looked fabulous despite a cracking hangover (Very un-Emma J like!!). We had a ton of fun with Steve as usual and realised we need to get out more after getting a little too excited about the trees. Yep, the trees.

Emma is in People Tree's Esme Cardigan, Emma Stripe Dress and Ideo Alpaca Fingerless Gloves. I'm in some old, warm clothes.

(Photography: Steve George)

The Ethical Fashion Source Expo

2010-11-06T09:02:00.000Z

This time last month both Emma J and I attended the Ethical Fashion Forum's second ethical sourcing expo, a trade show dedicated purely to ethical designers, manufacturers and suppliers to the fashion industry. Although Emma J was technically working I managed to steal her away for half an hour to gasp and grope our way around the 63 exhibitors' stalls. From beautiful alpaca jumpers to un-dyed cotton dresses and reclaimed horn jewellery there was more ethical eye candy than I could deal with in one day. Read more about it here ... and see what I had to say about the fab seminars that were going on all day.

Pachacuti Founder Carry Somers wins Mumpreneur Award

2010-11-05T13:00:00.000Z

Really couldn't tell you why we haven't posted about Pachacuti before (although we have posted pics of us wearing these heady delights). Founder Carry Somers was recognised with the ultimate Mumpreneur Award: Inspirational Business Mum 2010 at the Mumpreneur Awards in September and after reading her blog entry The Accidental Mumpreneur this comes as absolutely no surprise. She is one inspiring lady, who makes one hell of a Fair Trade hat. I strongly recommend paying her website a visit.

Butterfly

2010-11-03T21:56:00.001Z

I dream of effortlessly throwing a bunch of old stuff together to look like this.
I have thrown a bunch of old stuff together in my house, but it definitely don't look like this!

2010-10-31T22:17:00.001Z

A tribute for the late, great Gregory Isaacs.

PS: I love our new header! Thanks Suze!

A Peace Treaty

2010-10-23T23:48:00.000+01:00

I think I love every single item that A Peace Treaty have on their website....you have to check it out.

Just leave something for me to buy please.

apeacetreaty.com

Aje. Hope Ring

2010-10-20T14:12:00.001+01:00

Give Fashion. Give Love. Give Hope. The message on the box I received in the mail last week from my most gorgeous best friend in Australia after seeing this photo of her Hope ring on facebook and hinting heavily in the comments. Aussie brand Sportsgirl teamed up with fresh Aussie designers to raise awareness of eating disorders and positive body image in Australia. All profits from the sale of their Hope range go to The Butterfly Foundation National Support Line to help individual sufferers.

Source: Bliss a Porter

Steve George Photography!

2010-10-11T22:10:00.000+01:00

Thank you Steve for helping me to take these amazing pictures of beautiful, beautiful Emma H., totally rocking her People Tree Esme cardi and her bright red Pachacuti fedora.

I love the idea of a red hat in the grey winter.

Goodbye Jeans

2010-10-10T19:57:00.000+01:00

A few weeks ago I sorted out my cupboard- put away summer clothes (boohoo), dug out my winter clothes (boohoo, but also why is it that I love jumpers so much?) and decided that I rely way too much on jeans. I love clothes and really believe in their power as a form of expression but I'm so damn LAZY! I don't take the time to plan and I allow myself to fall back on JEANS! I don't even feel very comfortable in jeans, they never fit me very well, I haven't yet found a pair I find really flattering, and I've shelled out money for expensive brands as well. So I've had it! I've washed my jeans and put them away.

Now I just have to find some black trousers to replace the lazy-jeans-hole in my wardrobe.

Meryl Streep muses...

2010-10-03T22:47:00.002+01:00

I watch a lot of movies. I love to disappear into a film or tv series so that I don't even notice the time flying by. Sometimes, all this watching and absorption is just a healthy desire for entertainment, education or inspiration...quite often though I suspect it is more about me trying to stick my head in the sand and not face up to the things I need to get done, and the things I want to achieve.
As a result, I have recently tried to cut back on my viewing behaviour and the inevitable sideline of celebrity gossip.

Meryl Streep however merits a slip back into my imaginary film-fuelled world-
not only have I enjoyed most of the films she's chosen to be in, I always feel when I am watching her or reading an interview of hers that I am in the presence of intelligence, humour and integrity. This speech that I found of a commencement speech she gave at Barnard Women's College only confirms that. She has some interesting things to say about acting, women and Hollywood.

And she talks about our desire for fantasy, pretending and stories which I always feel so strongly-

desires that I believe are also played out through clothing and design.

I feel like that's part of what Em H. and I are trying to do here-

underline the importance of design but also find ways to explore it and indulge in it with integrity.

YOUR skirt's sister! Nomads Fair Trade

2010-10-02T13:33:00.006+01:00

Contrary to what you might be thinking after this post (and this one) Emma J and I don't usually make a habit of finding siblings for each other's clothes. However after snooping through Nomads' winter collection online I came across not one but two sisters for Emma J's skirt from this post. As Emma J said, I've never really been into Nomads as I've found them altogether too 'hippy' for my liking but I do love the print on this organic cotton skirt (it comes in leggings too but hmmm, I don't think so). Nomads have been going for over 20 years and adhere to Fair Trade principles in their manufacturing. They have recently starting using organic cotton as it becomes more readily available in India.

Welcome Back Jules!

2010-09-26T23:51:00.000+01:00

Welcome back Jules! You've been missed!

Made...for me?

2010-09-21T23:40:00.000+01:00

I'm quite in love with Made jewellery- I love the rich colour of their brass jewellery, I love that they teamed up with Pippa Small- my jewellery heaven and one of the rare times I wish I had lots more money!- and I love that they spend their profits on improving schools in Africa like the Bidii school in Kenya. They have recently put up their new jewellery line designed by Laura Bailey and it's lovely. Check out some of these beauties...

Victorian Chest of Drawers

2010-09-20T23:16:00.002+01:00

I am desperate for chest of drawers (what the hell is the plural of chest of drawers cus i need two) but as I am refusing to buy new and I have very specific sizing requirements cus my flat is mini it's proving VERY difficult. I did find this one over in a flee market in Kemp Town. It is actually gorgeous - my phone photo definitely does not do it justice. Buut I saw it about a month ago and cus i never decide whether to part with my money or not it's prob gone by now. oh well, clothes pile on the floor is just as good right??

Fair Trade from ASOS?

2010-09-19T00:50:00.007+01:00

Autumn is most definitely upon us and that mental urge to go on a manic shopping spree for snug winter staples is starting to fester in my brain (Emma J recently blogged about it so i am so not alone). However as I am abstaining from buying from the high street this winter I'm having to satiate my irrational cravings elsewhere.

Top of my wishlist is this ASOS Africa fair trade blanket cape. Love wearing bedding outdoors. Seriously.

I'd heard about ASOS Africa but was kinda dubious about fair trade and um, ASOS. but i checked it out and it checks out ... so far as google tells me. The garments are made by SOKO in Kenya a social enterprise partly founded by smaller fair trade brand la lesso. There is loads more to love but my bank account simply won't allow it. Is it ok to not pay your water bill in favour of buying clothes?? I think so.

Etsy Finds

2010-09-13T23:08:00.001+01:00

In the past few years I have tended to bypass jewellery as cumbersome, unnecessary and an extra style worry that I couldn't quite figure out. I've more recently realised, seeing Emma H on a regular basis, that this is a senseless waste of a whole range of creativity available out there. I've also realised that, with a little study and organisation ( no digging around in a tangle of chains and beads- spread out the jewellery!), jewellery can indeed be fun and does clarify what you are attempting to do with an outfit.

So without further ado, I'd like to show you one of my finds on Etsy- Spinthread.
All her pieces are hand embroidered.

Brighton Marina Car Boot Sale- The hunt is on!

2010-09-08T23:00:00.000+01:00

Car boot sales are high on my list of favorite Sunday activities-

this Brighton Marina car boot sale was looking a little sparse with treasures this Sunday,

until we fell upon Anton's stall...we especially loved rooting through his vintage men's suits.

My lovely man James might even have found a fantastic Savile Row 70's suit that would work for a specific 'party' next year- see my other blog for more clues.

Even Educated Fleas Do It...

2010-09-03T23:49:00.000+01:00

...let's do it! Let's do a 'Fall Wish List'! A la Vogue.

School starting back up has forever instilled in all of us the feeling of start-a-fresh-September.

Kids see it in terms of new teachers, new friends and new notebooks. The weather sees it as gathering clouds. And adults tend to see it as...time to buy a whole load more stuff!

Women in particular are prone to this tendency, largely encouraged by generations of fashion magazines. Despite my desire not to accumulate unethical, badly made clothes, and accessories...

I have to admit to being prone to the same hopeful search, every season,

for the apparel that will make me anew.

Here is my round-up for Autumn, featuring Fairtrade, recycled, ethical and organic items.

Love this People Tree dress and cardi together.

Nomad skirt, amazing print.

One of my long-time loves- Dirty Librarian Chains' Archive necklace- made from recycled chains.
Still saving my pennies for this one.

Nomad again- most of their items are a little bit too boho for me but I love the colour of this dress.

Chic People Tree.

More People Tree- eat your heart out Sonia Rykiel!

Beautiful, useful and out of my price range- Mociun cardigan.

Amazing Mociun scarf- I am scarf OBSESSED and this one would fit right in!
Again a little out of my price range but maybe a good investment piece?!

All from People Tree, Nomad, Dirty Librarian Chains and Beklina.

Sweet Paul

2010-08-29T17:38:00.007+01:00

A lot of my inspiration and excitement comes from reading (many!) amazing blogs and I wanted to recommend one of them to you. You may have come across it already, but just in case you haven't or just to remind you of its fabulousness...

I give you the all treasure trove that is Sweet Paul- my favorites are 'Crafty Friday'!

So many brilliant DIY ideas that even I can cope with both budget-wise and skill-wise!

And 'Recipe Monday' comes a close second! So delicious looking!

I'd like to start with my personal favorites- the jumper covered chair and vases:

Second hand book vases- so easy and so cool.

A lovely doily scarf- all you need is a sewing machine and doilies!

A teapot lamp- made much easier than it looks by Paul!

Such a simple, stunning idea for a Christmas (or any time!) decoration- clear baubles and feathers.

Make your own Delft vases with this idea using print-your-own transfers.

More gorgeous blue and white! This time in the shape of a DIY corsage/boutonniere/brooch.

rag trade brighton

2010-08-26T10:25:00.000+01:00

The wonderful rag trade boutique is coming to Brighton for one weekend only! Buy (and sell) pre-loved designer womenswear at a fraction of the price.

10am- 5pm

Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th September

The Mezzanine Bar, Brighton Dome, Church Road, Brighton (next to the Pavillion)

Entry is FREE so no excuses!

80% of clothes in the uk go to waste. 80%! That is staggering. With so many pre-loved bits out there, I'm starting to think that there really is no need to buy new any more.

For more info on how to sell at the event click here.

See you there!

Anthropologie

2010-08-25T21:25:00.007+01:00

I love the style, inventiveness and colours of Anthropologie's London shop that I decided it needed a post of its very own. I have to admit that I was already completely obsessed with Anthropologie's styling from its American website and couldn't wait to see it's first U.K. store.

I was not disappointed- I know it has huge financial backing and is very slick in its enchantment of the customer all with the aim of encouraging 'lifestyle spending'....

blah, blah, retail speak, blah....

I know I'm being tricked into spending lots of money! I know!

I refuse nonetheless to give in to cynicism- there is too much creativity here, and, I believe, sincere appreciation of folk art, the handmade and the re-used not to get a little bit smitten!

Enjoy!

(Just make sure to count to ten before buying anything!)

A good image to end on I think- it makes up part of my shopping chant: when in close proximity to lovely purchaseable things...

remember only buy what you will use up and wear out.

Picnic Chairs

2010-08-25T09:24:00.004+01:00

I am desperately seeking chairs just like these for my 'dining table'. I need fold up ones cus i really don't have the space for anything else and i just LOVE the look of these. Nearly owned a set of four stripped ones about a year ago but my dithering caused them to slip through my fingers and I haven't found any since :(. That'll teach me. I know habitat have great copies but I just can't buy new when I know pre-loved ones are out there already.

London Baby!

2010-08-23T21:10:00.005+01:00

A little trip up to London to get me out of a little creative rut....

Starting with Alfie's Antiques Market-

perfect for AMAZING 20th century furniture and interiors pieces.

Way out of my price range but also fantastically way out. Just what I needed.

Then on to Gray's Antiques...vintage jewellery anyone? A great place for colour inspiration.

Some great Selfridges windows showcasing exactly how creative one can be with cardboard. I obviously need both to simplify my ideas- one material is enough!- and be a lot braver with my ideas!

This one uses pages from old books to make a stunningly intricate paper-chateau.

I lOVE Moschino's velvet splattered fruit! I want some in my living room!

Bulk buying of the red Chanels do ya' think? Maybe they do family discount...Whenever I'm in London, I'm reminded of exactly how much money is still floating around. I can't deny that I did think that the red of these 55.'s was a bold choice- no practical safe black for them! And I admire that everyday bravery. Or they could just have sixteen other colours at home?

Am I being naive or judgemental? Help! Sometimes I wish I could just go back to thinking 'OOOooo pretty bags'!

Lazy Sunday: Farm & Beyond Retro

2010-08-22T22:19:00.011+01:00

There's something about rain on a Sunday that makes it perfectly ok to while away the hours in a café over a pot of tea. Em (J) & I spent it in Farm, an independent café and farm shop whose menu & produce all comes from the surrounding country side.

Loving Em's Fair Trade Pachacuti panama. So much so that I spent much of the day attempting to steal it - I had serious bags from Saturday's late night to cover up! And as Farm is snuggled right next to Beyond Retro many an hour was whiled away in there too, needless to say we came back several pounds lighter. More on that later.

(She's so pretty!)

Em's bamboo socks poking out of her made-in-england shoes and my second hand hareems!

Beauty blogging

2010-08-18T22:27:00.004+01:00

I've recently expanded my usual blogging circle and regular internet reads to include some blogs on cosmetics and beauty products. As you may expect if you are knowledgeable about all things blog- there are thousands of beauty orientated blogs! Here are a two that I've found useful so far:

www.youaresuperpretty.blogspot.com

www.nomoredirtylooks.com

The image above is of the book written by the two bloggers-

might be worth a read...

Both of these blogs are passionate about beauty products but always in relation to better health and a better ecological process. 'No more dirty looks' also brings fair-trade into the equation.

I love to read how human beings are creative about finding ways to compromise without giving up on some of the (admittedly largely superficial) pleasures of make-up and soft shiny hair.

We may one day realise we don't need those things but we obviously need to take it slow!

You can take the chemicals out of the nail varnish but not yet the nail varnish off the girl!

Some favourite photos, some favourite outfits.

2010-08-14T22:50:00.015+01:00

Although I am supposed to be the focus here (always the attention seeker..) I have to highlight my Caspar's amazing shirt here next to me. So stylish, as ever, my darling Cas.

The DVF dress I wore to my lovely and amazing friend Mela's wedding to fantastic Jamie. As in Jamie is fantastic- he is not a superhero, no matter how much he may wish he were. He is super though, I'll give him that. Mela and Jamie's wedding was brilliant- moving, hilarious, beautiful and so much fun. I also loved wearing this bright DVF cotton dress that I found on Ebay and that my Maman lovingly ironed for me on the morning of- thank you Maman! All in all, one of my favourite ever days.

Now that I look back at these outfits, that...wait for it...my Nan knitted!- one for each of us cousins, in contrasting colours!!!- I can see that this was a hell of a lot of work and a labour of love. So good and so bad all at the same time- if only you could see that we are all wearing knitted skirts that match! That's me on the right btw..

New Yawk with my beautiful boy.

New YAWK! I spent most of the trip bundled up in a navy pea coat that I love and that I found in a charity shop- one of my favourite ever finds. I LOVE a good pea coat. AND my favourite ever trousers from Zara- I know- not ethical in any way. They are one of my wear-them-to-death items though and I made sure to look at every Fairtrade alternative before buying them. I'm trying my best but the fashion world is still catching up to our ethical demands.

Catch up already!

In Pittsburgh at the wedding of a long-time family friend- the gorgeous and fabulous Kamala. Both my boy and I are wearing all vintage- found on Ebay and in various charity shops.

Ahem...me later that day...post-wedding...bowling! Ladylike? I was trying! (I was also quite squiffy from champagne, which does improve your bowling- as you may have suspected.)

Most of these picture are taken by my very talented sister- thank you Loulou!

"I don't exercise. If God had wanted me to bend over, he would have put diamonds on the floor" Joan Rivers

2010-08-13T10:43:00.000+01:00

Inspired by Emma H.'s last post on her trade show stall for Fair-trade jewellery, here are a few ideas for jewellery display- at a trade show or at home. I like all of these images but I have a feeling I am not done with this one...there must be more interesting ways of storing and showing of your jewellery out there in the ether. Or am just becoming blog-image-greedy?

Sources: Lark Crafts x 3, The Glamourai, and...I can't remember! I am so sorry. Please let me know if you recognise your images- does anyone have any advice on how to organise photos without losing track of where you found them?

Wish List: Lu Flux

2010-08-13T09:18:00.001+01:00

I hate that ethical fashion often comes with a hefty price tag and am really trying to blog about things that the you and me's of this world can actually afford but today I am LOVING these two gorgeous garments by Lu Flux. All created by hand in London from salvaged, vintage and organic fabrics Lu Flux takes something old and turns it into something new reducing waste and making me drool all at the same time.

Lu Flux Yardwork Patchwork Shirt Dress £165 & Blue Tit Dress £405 both available from ecobtq.

Traid not Aid

2010-08-11T09:00:00.005+01:00

I'm currently working on the stall design for a fair trade wholesaler for an upcoming trade show and found some pretty cool images for my mood board. The theme is reused, recycled, fair trade cluster wall. Just thought I'd share. Wish me luck! xx

(Sources: Desire to Inspire, Emma's Design Blog, Styling and Salvage, Arttatler)

Your Skirt's Sister!

2010-08-10T22:04:00.003+01:00

Look Em H., I found your skirt's sister! I like it with the straw fedora but I'm not sure about the top- It doesn't not go but does it really work in that brave-clashy way? I do love the shape of the top though!

Source: Tales of Endearment

More on That Skirt

2010-08-10T19:17:00.004+01:00

Wanted to wear this skirt for so long but found it really hard to make an outfit with. That’s why when a friend got this green stripe T from Whistles I had to get one too. To be fair people tree were all sold outta stripes and they didn’t have green to begin with.

Thanks to Steve for the image.

"I am learning all the time. The tombstone will be my diploma." Earth Kitt

2010-08-07T23:50:00.008+01:00

I just wanted to quickly write about what I learnt from the photos Steve sent me of the 'Birthday Roses' dress: do wear big bold jewellery with big bold patterns; big hoop earrings and short hair require thin delicate hoops- and in fact I think I look better in solid earrings or multi- drop earrings; a full calf length skirt SHOULD NOT be worn with t-bar sandals! Ok, so it's not the end of the world...they just really cut my legs off and make them look much stumpier than I believe a gladiator or ballet flat would.

Or perhaps I am in stumpy-leg denial?

So dressing rule of the week- longer length skirts with low cut shoes or shoes that tie up the leg to elongate legs and balance out the proportions. Brilliant! By the time I'm a hundred I should be effortlessly stylish everyday...

Photo thanks to Super Steve- aka Steve George.

That skirt

2010-08-06T16:16:00.003+01:00

Got so many weird looks walking round town in this skirt but f*&^ 'em, I love it! I got it for a 5er from this awesome little man who sells second-hand & vintage clothes on the street outside his shop and then shoves all his wares back into the shop in a jumbled up mess at the end of each day. He's pretty famous around Brighton and his "shop" is always worth a quick once over.
Thanks to Steve for this quirky shot.

"Color has taken possession of me;

2010-08-05T12:46:00.005+01:00

... no longer do I have to chase after it. I know that it has hold of me forever... Color and I are one. I am a painter"
Paul Klee

Ok so I'm not quite a painter but colour has indeed taken possession of me and I fear there is no turning back. I used to want white space but now I crave colour in every corner of my home. I swear vibrant colour lifts your spirits and awakens your senses and really just makes me want to smile. Here's some of my colourful inspiration.

(Sources: Desire to Inspire, Indian Summer, Martha Stewart Living, if I have taken inspiration from your site and you need crediting pls let me know in the comments)

Birthday Roses

2010-08-04T22:08:00.006+01:00

Thank you Em H. for my birthday post! And I am proud to say that I am completely smitten with Oncewed...I would be embarrassed to admit it except that I'm pretty sure that I am not alone.

So yesterday was my birthday and now I have the post-birthday blues.

They set in first thing this morning when I had to head off back to work after

an amazing day yesterday of eating,

wandering along the beach (in gale force winds but sunshine!)

and spending time with my lovely boy.

From past experience I have learnt that to fend off the post-birthday blues (or any other event of a similar nature- graduations, weddings, long holidays- that you have been looking forward to), it is best not to indulge in the following:

retail therapy, chocolate therapy or entire-tv-series-in-one-go therapy.

Although all enjoyable, and appropriate for other types of blues- break-ups, bad days at work, arguments with friends- they only make the post-birthday blues worse. After that long intro...here is what did cheer me up today: remembering the fantastic dress that I found at Beyond Retro and wore for my birthday. The superkalifragilistic Steve George took some photos of me wearing the 'Birthday Roses' dress that I love. Thank you Steve!

I love how Steve has given this photo and the next one an effect that makes it look like I am in Havana. Oh how I wish I was in Havana!

Thank you also to Em H. for lending me the incredible necklace that you found in a charity shop! And to super-hairdresser Myrtle at Square Roots for my new short crop. I love short hair- so easy- I don't know why I ever strayed from you short hair!

Happy Birthday Em!!!

2010-08-03T22:49:00.003+01:00

To my most favourite co-blogger, Happy Birthday m&m. xxx

Thanks to Once Wed for the pic.

Lazy Sunday: Brighton's North Laine Antiques & Flea Market

2010-08-01T22:54:00.001+01:00

Seeing as we missed Ardingly - the mother of all Antique Fairs two weeks ago, Em and I decided to spend our Sunday searching through other people's Ardingly finds at the Brighton Antiques Market. It's my favourite place to seek out pre-loved treasures in Brighton. Needless to say my one-bed is slightly more full after that shopping trip. Will post what I bought later.

Musings a l'image

2010-07-28T20:44:00.004+01:00

I am in love with this image. I have looked at it over ten times, over several days, and I still can't figure out how they conceived this wall of paintings, mirrors and objects.

For me there is something intricate, beautiful and fascinating about all of these shapes and colours together.

I am going to stare at it a while longer

to see if I can decipher

what it teaches me.

Source: Ida via sfgirlbybay.

If only...it was Fairtrade..

2010-07-25T23:42:00.004+01:00

There are quite a few small labels out there that I admire and Harvey Faircloth is one of them. I love the classic elements of their design- everything from their website to their accessories are beautifully thought out- and the twist that they always introduce so that the resulting clothing is both reminiscent of Grace Kelly in Monaco and of a contemporary stylish woman.

As with most of the brands that I admire- I just wish they were Fairtrade, so that I could save up my pennies and buy from them guilt-free. I often wonder what it would take for smaller, recent labels like this one to use Fairtrade producers.

Images from Harvey Faircloth's SS2010 collection courtesy of bussbuss.com.

Imaginary porch 2- how to make your porch sustainable

2010-07-17T22:29:00.000+01:00

So now that I have my imaginary porch, attached to my imaginary wooden clapboard house, I want to deck it out ( pun intended!) in some cool, comfortable outside furniture. And obviously,

as is always the Emmas' goal, in a way that is environmentally sustainable, even environmentally beneficial and very importantly also Fairtrade.

I could go the bright neon route with these repurposed cinema chair's from Nigel's Eco Store:

Expensive, but you could move it into the house when the weather turns and it would look amazing against both a white wall or a white clapboard exterior wall!

I found a website called The Low Impact Initiative which has a lot of info and recommends several paint brands for wooden houses.

A British brand called Osmo featured on the site have

a lovely greyish blue called 'Dove Blue' that would suit me just fine.

I love the cinema rocker but I think that I would go for some 50's industrial warehouse style Emeco chairs made from recycled plastic bottles

I would be tempted to go for the green colour and then pair it with the aluminium rocker designed by one of Emma H's favorite's- Mr Starck.

Now add some cushions from the ever faithful Etsy- I love these ones made out of souvenir

tea-towels:

Throw in a grey Fairtrade and recycled wool throw and a creamy organic lambswool throw both from Ecocentric.

Finally to really make sitting out late at night listening to the night I would add as many fairy lights as I could afford! Powered by the sun and again from Nigel's lovely store:

To create the sort of happy feeling I get from the photograph of this wedding on Oncewed:

Blue flower, red thorns.

2010-07-15T23:57:00.001+01:00

Another day out with darling photographer Steve George (who Em & I secretly call Stevo, but don't tell him now will you) who is always such a pleasure to work with. He has taken some enchanting images of Emma J which you can see here. I'm in a hand-me-down silk top, well-loved Cue palazzos, Fair Trade coir necklace from Sacha in Kolkata and old Zara sandals.

On the Hunt: Aspiga Sandals

2010-07-15T22:50:00.005+01:00

I am having a tough time of it. Trying to find a pair of summer sandals that tick my plethora of boxes has lead me to many a dead end. Or has it? I'm quite liking these beaded t-bar sandals by Aspiga, a company that manufactures in small workshops in Kenya. Although these guys aren't certified Fair Trade they adhere to basic Fair Trade principles.

The next dilemma playing out in my vegetarian mind is the whole leather issue. I've tended to view leather as a by-product in the past and thought that if an animal is killed for meat then all body parts should be used in a productive way and I can't help thinking that synthetic factory made shoes aren't a great alternative. Hmmm ... still thinking.

A summer's night on my (imaginary) porch

2010-07-12T20:58:00.013+01:00

The combination of warm summer nights, the absence of a garden and a very hectic few weeks have left me longing for a beautiful old wooden front porch. Ideally the porch would be attached to a clapboard house painted a soft petrol blue colour and would be filled with comfy white furniture and lots of wild tropical plants. Did I mention the gin and tonic?

I can recommend Juniper Green Organic Gin!

Eddie Ross and Jathan Kochar's gorgeous porch featured in Lonny Mag. They are responsible for the genius idea (below) of hanging framed pictures outside their door as well.

And this is how I would look on my porch- relaxed, elegant, boho chic! With all the talent of these two as well- they are an amazing wedding photography duo- check them out here- and if I had squillions of pounds I would have them at my wedding (as well as giving generously to MANY charities of course).

Sources: Lonny Magazine, Lonny Magazine, The Pullman State Historic Site, and the last five are all from designsponge- thanks for the inspiration!

No more Mean Mr. Mustard

2010-07-09T21:46:00.004+01:00

I never aspired to wear mustard. I didn't seek it out. It was this dress- a combination of lovely and amazing design from Bora Aksu for People Tree (SS2009) and the colour. The unusual shape seems to find its perfect incarnation in this french mustard colour. So now I can say that I both love eating mustard (in scary amounts) and wearing it. As I remember this dress is made by the Assisi Fairtrade group in Bangladesh.

I've learnt my lesson and will no longer judge a dress by it's colour.

A hint of Grecian flair, a flattering and comfortable way of showing of the waist!

I love the caped back- it keeps me cool, adds a touch of sexiness and some drama. And it is something I would never have though of...I love details like that- that are very clearly from a different perspective.

Currently my favorite shoes- suede sandals by Terra Plana- and a great match for the dress.

So comfortable, great colour combination, intricate and did I say COMFORTABLE!

Lemlem

2010-07-07T22:52:00.000+01:00

With the onset of modernisation and scaling up of manufacturing comes the inevitable loss of small-scale traditional methods of production, a phenomenon affecting millions of small-scale producers world wide. Not only does it mean that traditional knowledge is lost but it also leads to a loss of livelihood for these small scale producers.

Lemlem, which means to flourish or bloom in Amharic, was started in 2007 when model Liya Kebede discovered that due to a decline in local demand for their goods traditional weavers in her native country of Ethiopia were losing their jobs. Recognizing the beauty, quality and historic significance of their work, Liya wanted to preserve the art of weaving and inspire economic independence amongst the weavers.

The result is a collection for women and children brimming with light easy pieces with injections of brilliant colour perfect for breezy summer living.

See the full collection here.

Race For Life Brighton

2010-07-05T20:21:00.011+01:00

To my shame, I've never participated in a charity race so I was excited when my Mum suggested that me, her and my sister walk the 5K Race for Life in Brighton's Stanmer Park. We were 3 of over 3000 women who walked this past Saturday raising over £200,000 for Cancer Research. It was a beautiful sunny day out amongst the Downs and really moving to see so many women joining forces. I become emotional when witnessing any kind of group effort- choirs, rescues, charity events- so I was quite teary at the sight of the sea of pink-clad ladies.

Every participant was encouraged to wear a pink sign on their back explaining who they were running for- reading over and over again how many people were running for their grandmothers, mothers, brothers, sisters, best friends.....

it was heartbreaking.

At least we were all out there though, hoping there wouldn't be so many pink signs in the future.

Fund-raising-collaborating-walking-pink-wearing-women as far as the eye can see.

My sister and me just before the finish line- look at all those teeth! We completed the 5k in a leisurely 1h01minute- we were talking most of the time! And we raised £300 for Cancer Research. The memory of all that goodwill and optimism will keep me going for quite a while.

My Daydream Home - More Tiles

2010-07-04T08:00:00.000+01:00

My love of colourful tiles blossomed in India. I've since found more tantalising tile inspiration to share. Really love the way the kitchen in the first pic has just gone nuts and used mixed up tiles everywhere ... although on closer inspection don't think they actually are tiles :( in the first pic but cool idea of how to mix recycled tiles with a modern kitchen anyway.

(Sources: Desire to inspire, flickr)

Colour my gaze

2010-07-02T22:29:00.006+01:00

Wearing old Gap top, vintage skirt from Oxfam, a mixture of charity shop necklaces, Kenzie shoes.

I have a love hate relationship with this outfit. On the one hand this orange knit top is one of my favourites and even though it’s from Gap – not the most ethical company by any stretch of the imagination – I literally wear it to death – with everything. I bought these platforms years ago and they've always been a fav, they'e literally on their last legs. Found this skirt for 2.99 in my local oxfam shop and thought they would work perfectly together and they do but i dunno – is it just too loud?? i know we’re all supposed to be wearing varying shades of beige at the minute but i’m just always drawn to brights. Wearing colour literally brightens my day.

Credit: Steve George Photography - visit his blog to see more of his gorgeous images.

Nkuku Obsession

2010-07-01T22:02:00.005+01:00

I'm always banging on about the importance of branding and products to the success of Fair Trade companies and my latest discovery Nkuku have got it just right. Browsing their website has quickly turned into an obsession. Here are the products I am willing myself not to buy all at once.

How I want the shleves in my kitchen to look & gorgeous fringed towels for my bathroom.

I'm still desperate for lampshades - I'm loving this white cotton one. (please ignore my humble attempts at borrowing their photos)

Hooks and knobs to die for - I'll take all pls!

I already have a mini one of these guys currently holding my bedroom door open but this one is so much bigger ... and therefore better.

Cushions and handwoven rugs

... and my favourite - this handwoven Ayla throw - can so see it draped over my denim couch. My gorgeous friends at Altjeringa in Hove stock this blanket and it is even more perfect in real life (website coming soon).

Nkuku is the perfect example of how to do 'good business'. All their products are inspired by the traditional skills of artisans throughout Africa and India combining contemporary designs with age-old techniques, natural materials and sustainable methods of production. They have truly succeeded in finding the balance between beautiful products and ethical sourcing.

Etsy Finds: Viva Mejico!

2010-06-30T19:40:00.017+01:00

To bring together the two earlier posts, I wanted to show you some of the

lovely vintage cotton embroidered Mexican dresses I've been seeing a lot of on Etsy.

Not only would they look great with clogs but they also come in blue and white!

Or rock it full on Mexican wedding dress style! I love that this sort of handmade delicately detailed dress was traditionally worn by brides.

As England is obliging us with some nice warm weather, these dresses seem the perfect thing to just slip on- light, natural cotton, simple shape, stunning colourful embroidery.

And finally- belt it!

I love the lace background in this last photo.

(Sources: purevintageclothing, twinheartsvintage, dollyrockervintage, maxandchichi, vdingy, lovestreetvintage, dollyrockervintage, beannaithe)

Clogs Baby!

2010-06-29T21:00:00.001+01:00

First of all, I love the photos- they make the clogs look like glossy glowing sweets.

Clogs: fun and sexy? Who knew it was possible?

These silver ones could definitely take me out for cocktails and dancing!

Maguba- as they describe themselves: "Swedish design with a touch of latin spice, razzle-dazzle and colour". Not only do their clogs make me happy but I can lust after them guilt-free knowing they are made in Sweden, use environmentally friendly paints and dyes AND donate money to replant woodland for every pair sold. Now does anyone know if they are comfortable?

When my parents got married in the 70's, my Dad wanted to wear his height-of-fashion clogs. He was vetoed by his whole family...all he needed were some of these metallic beauties!

They have a brilliant 'Create your own' section that I spent a happy hour playing with.

My pick- the 'Barcelona' style with the turquoise sole and the metallic silver upper.

Blue Dress

2010-06-28T22:09:00.005+01:00

I love blue and white together, in pretty much any combination, so when I saw this dress at Oxfam...

It's quite a 50's shape but I thought the ruffles had a little 70's vibe going on so I seized the opportunity to wear huge pink 70's Balenciaga sunglasses.

It must be fate because I found this lovely little blue and white saucer in the gutter on my way into town. The universe is telling me to seek out blue and white!

I love it! The label has been cut out of the dress though...and I worry that it is Primark. How am I to feel? On one hand, I bought it from Oxfam, but on the other someone might see me wearing it and see it as a endorsement of Primark. For now, until ethical fashion is the powerhouse we want it to be, I guess I will just do my best and avoid buying directly from Primark!

My Daydream Home - Canopies

2010-06-27T08:00:00.000+01:00

Maybe it's something to do with the serious lack of summer over here in the UK but I constantly catch myself daydreaming about a light-filled bedroom complete with cascading canopy over a luscious linen clad bed. Mmmm.

(Sources: Desire to inspire, Atlantis Home, Toast, Fashion Squad. I have collected pictures for inspirations for years and don't always know where i got them from, please let me know if I need to acknowledge anyone else)

Tile Bravery

2010-04-30T08:21:00.003+01:00

My new love for mismatched tiles blossomed whilst in India. It is something they seem to do out there with a certain aplomb that I am certain never to achieve in quite the same way. This scan from the latest UK Elle Decoration provides a really clever way of putting together mismatched tiles ... as long as you have a few of each. It seems like a great way to both recycle and add interest to your home in one go. I have to say though i can't even imagine how many hours it would take trying to find tiles that 1. go together in some way 2. are a similar size and 3. that you like! Oh well ... I'll start collecting now for the next house :).

Source: Elle Decoration May 2010 - personal scan

Kolkata

2010-04-24T09:00:00.002+01:00

1. Sorting keyrings at Calcutta Rescue 2. Taking orders at Jeevika 3. Recycled Saris cover sewing machines, Jeevika 4. Monster Keyrings 5. Drying candles at Silence 6. Posing at Jeevika 7. Tea lights at Silence 8. Teeny love heart candles - small enough to fit two in a matchbox 9. Home decor - love the cushion 10. A night under a thatched roof in Santiniketan 11. Likkle animal candles at Silence - mucho obsessed 12. Showing off the fruits of his labour at Silence 13. & 14. Screen printing at Silence 15. Bead work, Silence 16. Intense orange lighting on the night I left.

Imagine my surprise when an unassuming birthday card from my boss last December turned out to be an invitation to visit our Fair Trade partners out in Kolkata, India in the new year. I was uber touched and shed a happy tear or two.
Come April and I have just returned from what promises to be the first of many trips to India.
I was so busy I hardly had time to stop for photo taking and am bummed that I don't have more. Most of these are of two of the groups that we work with the most - Jeevika & Silence.
The girls at Jeevika are skilled seamstresses and embroiderers. They were so lovely and welcoming and we had loads of fun posing for pictures together.

The artisans at Silence all have some sort of disability, most of the people who work there are deaf and mute. However they come together everyday to prove their ability to create beautiful products from candles & woodwork to screen printed, hand painted cards & jewellery. The artisans there clearly loved their job and were so proud of their work. Silence really stood out to me as an example of people really doing it for themselves.

Band of Outsiders Sweat Shorts vs People Tree Simons

2010-04-23T09:00:00.003+01:00

These Band of Outsiders Sweat Shorts over at selectism.com definitely did not go down a treat with their readers ("These are the worst looking pair of shorts ever ... get a grip please and stop taking the piss." calm down!).Quite frankly they're not doing too much for this guy's sex appeal esp not at 180 quid.(hello get a pair of scissors and cut your sweatpants in half).

But, if you don't trust yourself to hack off the bottom of your fave trackie bottoms there are always these.

People Tree's comfy looking sweats might not cause quite as much offence at a distinctly affordable £22.Plus I think the fit is ever so slightly more manly.

A bit more bloke and a little less broke I'd say.

Quote of the week

2010-04-22T09:00:00.000+01:00

"If you think you're too small to make a difference you've never been in bed with a mosquito"
Anita Roddick