Favourite eco style sale finds!
December 29, 2009 by Jen Marsden · Comments Off
Perhaps you received a fat cheque for Christmas. Perhaps you didn’t. But the New Year is surely on its way, following in the footsteps of the January sales. And we’ve sussed out the greenest fashion style finds to make it easier for you! Jen Marsden writes.
Top 10 statement necklaces
December 21, 2009 by Jen Marsden · Leave a Comment
An instant outfit updater, a statement necklace is the go-to accessory for anyone worth their fashion salt right now and can work wonders for a tired LBD, a simple white shirt or a snugly jumper. Louise Black has rounded up ten absolute showstoppers: all available now and all ethically produced.
INTERVIEW: Get knitted with Ascension knitwear
December 9, 2009 by Jen Marsden · 2 Comments
Hot off the needles of Southwest England knitters, Ascension’s Head of Design Sury Bagenal tells Greenmystyle.com about the company’s limited edition and oh-so-local knitwear range.
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Get knitted with us!
December 3, 2009 by Jen Marsden · 1 Comment
Just a few weeks into opening its first flagship store in central London, we’re delighted to be participating in Ascension’s Ethical Knitwear week. Jen Marsden writes.
Designer dresses showcased at EFF event
November 20, 2009 by Maria Kaski · 1 Comment
Iconic pieces showcased at the RE:Fashion Awards 2008 and designed by the likes of Vivienne Westwood and Zandra Rhodes, will be on display today at the Ethical Fashion Forum’s first and only international ethical sourcing marketplace. Many Barder writes.
The two day long event will welcome a variety of designers, retailers, buyers and entrepreneurs alike who are passionate about producing and stocking sustainable fashion designs.
One of the major highlights at the marketplace will be a viewing of the iconic pieces that were showcased at the Re: Fashion Awards 2008, and modelled by the likes of Leah Weller, Daisy Lowe, Leah Woods and Pixie Geldof.
Also exhibiting at the event is the SEWA (Self-Employed Women’s Association) from Gujarat in India who teamed up with ethical label Ascension earlier this year.
Ascension’s Ethical Consultant Clare Lissman and designer Sury Bagenal visited Gujarat last year and witnessed first hand the exceptional work that the 70,000 women workers do. Traditional embroidery is a big part of their designs, which are all handmade and passed down through generations. SEWA’s initiative has really helped to develop and improve the lives of the women involved.
Run in partnership with internationally recognised operations and ethical experts, such as the World Fair Trade Organisation and the Fairtrade Foundation, the Global Sourcing Marketplace was born from a vision to provide opportunities for fashion professionals. The goals are to promote sustainable fashion, support fairtrade and ultimately reduce the fashion industry’s negative effect on the environment.
The Global Sourcing Marketplace is a non-profit making event and all proceeds will go to sustainable and fairtrade practices in the fashion industry.
Find out more at http://www.ethicalfashionforum.com/global-sourcing-marketplace.
Iconic pieces showcased at the RE:Fashion Awards 2008 and designed by the likes of Vivienne Westwood and Zandra Rhodes, will be on display today at the Ethical Fashion Forum’s first and only international ethical sourcing marketplace. Mandy Barder writes.
Top 10 stylish Christmas gifts for guys
November 16, 2009 by Maria Kaski · Leave a Comment
Top 10 Christmas crackers for your eco man
Men are a notoriously difficult lot to shop for, but luckily, there is whole world of eco man-friendly gifts out there with enough variety to avoid the typical present cliches. Here’s our pick of the 10 best presents for your eco man. Amiee Jones writes.
Katherine Hamnett ‘World Peace Now’ hoodie £78
Famous for her protest-slogan clothing, Katherine Hamnett is an icon when it comes to fashion that speaks its mind. Her infamous T-shirts first surfaced in the eighties and continue to spread her wise words today. This hoodie has the added bonus of being incredibly cozy, and the perfect present to give, then cheekily borrow yourself. Made from 100% organic cotton jersey, this ‘World Peace Now’ version was ethically produced in India and made with water-based, environmentally friendly ink that will fade after the first wash to give a worn in, vintage effect.
http://www.katharinehamnett.com/shop/men/hoodies-29/mens-world-peace-now-organic-cotton-hoodie/index.html?pvId=616
Howies Pembroke wax jacket £275
Howies’ take on the traditional utility jacket is sturdy, chic and typically English in feel. The jacket is made from organic waxed cotton in the U.K, using purely traditional methods. It also has a removable horseshoe lining in brushed, organic cotton flannel, for extra insulation. The label was founded back in 1995 and focuses on outdoor and sportswear, being particularly involved in the yearly bike shows from its humble beginnings. This luxuriously practical jacket will stand the test of time and provide some fashionable protection from the weather for years to come. An excellent and beautiful gift.
http://www.howies.co.uk/product.php/2159/8/
LA Jewellery Anchor Cufflinks £49
The silver used to produce these elegant cufflinks is handcrafted by traditional Welsh silversmiths, who use ethically sourced and recycled silver, also supporting local community projects. The imperfect shape of the anchors give a sense of DIY charm, while the bright silver makes them undeniably eye-catching when caught by the light. A brilliant gift for sea farers, or those who simply appreciate a little nautical fashion.
http://www.ascensiononline.com/Catalogue/20420049/Men/La_Jewellery-Anchor_Cufflinks.aspx
Neal’s Yard Remedies Groom gift set £25
Men claim they aren’t into beauty products, but they’re lying. When you catch him slathering on your pricey moisturiser post-shave you know it’s time to invest in getting him his very own grooming kit. With that said, Neal’s Yard Remedies have put together the answer to all your man’s beauty hang-ups with their ‘Groom’ gift set. Consisting of a vegan face wash, body wash and moisturiser, it promises you will quite literally ‘feel your spirits lift as skin is cleansed, protected and enlivened.’ It also states that men’s skin is completely different to women’s, hence why it needs its own products; a fact to remind him of next time your cleanser is suddenly half empty.
http://www.nealsyardremedies.com/groom-gift
Komodo Adam Cardigan £115
There’s nothing like a traditional cosy knit at Christmas time. Komodo have worked with the same family run factories in Bali and Kathmandu for twenty years and this 100% fair-trade wool, chunky, zip-up cardigan is a great example of its wonderful knitwear. The label is known for working with a wide variety of eco-friendly and fairtrade materials, turning them into enduringly appealing pieces. The neutral colours make it a great go-to number to wear with everything, the pattern keeping it fresh and just a little quirky.
http://www.bochica.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=23_53&products_id=285
Pants to Poverty boxers £9.95 each
Happily throw out threadbare underwear that has seen better days and buy your other half a new selection of brightly coloured Pants to Poverty classic boxers. Available in a rainbow of colours, buy him a pair in each shade; one for everyday of the week. The brand’s trademark organic cotton boxers are eco-friendly dyed with non-azo dye, and also ethically made in India to help support communities and promote trade.
http://www.ascensiononline.com/Catalogue/21150008/Men/Pants_To_Poverty-Classic_Boxer.aspx
Terra Plana Bulter Shoes £120
These gorgeous shoes excel in both aesthetics and comfort, being smart enough for work, yet comfortable enough to wear on a daily basis. Terra Plana use stitching wherever possible to reduce their glue usage, and the leather is dyed to a rich hue using environmentally friendly vegetable extracts. The flexible sole means they perform almost like a trainer when on the go, so they’ll make a much appreciated gift to city slicker men who are constantly on their feet, yet would rather die than slip on a pair of Nike.
http://www.ascensiononline.com/Catalogue/50460007/Men/Terra_Plana-Bulter_Shoe.aspx
Luma Organic Velour Robe £69.50
These luxurious 100% organic cotton, velour robes are a sumptuous necessity for winter. Luma uses all organic materials and produces its collections in India under strict fairtrade conditions. The cosy robes come in three modern, neutral colours which are achieved using environmentally friendly dyes. Specialising in beautiful home products, and driven by a love of textiles, Luma strives to create luxury in a way that stays firmly within the brand’s strong environmental values. One more thing worth noting; these robes are unisex, so why not buy yourself one to avoid a tug of war over his?
http://www.lumadirect.com/detail2.asp?CategoryID=5&RangeID=43
All For One Energy Saving One For All remote £34.95
The ongoing romance between men and remote controls makes this an idea novelty gift with an added purpose. This universal remote can control up to four AV devices and has a Green Energy Saving button which allows you to switch off all your AV standby functions at once. It sounds complex, but the cincher is this: according to the manufacturer it is possible to save over 90% of your standby power consumption, making your household that much greener. You can even get wireless upgrades for it, so you’ll never have to replace it. Basically, it has a whole host of tricks up it’s sleeve to keep your man amused and you both safe in the fact that you’re reducing your carbon footprint whilst happily watching television.
http://www.naturalcollection.com/products/all-for-one/all-for-one-energy-saving-one-for-all-remote/
Gossypium drawstring trouser £18.95
Men will love these Gossypium drawstring trousers. They are suitably simple, yet softly luxurious and will make an ideal gift for your other half to both sleep and lounge in. Before you know it, he’ll be living in them and you’ll have to prise them off him just to give them a good wash. Made of 100% organic fairtrade cotton, the drawstring waist ensures they’ll be a perfect fit.
http://www.gossypium.co.uk/catalog/him/nightwear-c-90_95/organic_fairtrade_mens_wear/nightwear-c-90_95/drawstring_cotton_trousers-p-578/
Men are a notoriously difficult lot to shop for, but luckily, there is whole world of eco man-friendly gifts out there with enough variety to avoid the typical present cliches. Here’s our pick of the 10 best presents for your eco man. Amiee Jones writes.
Heart on the high street: Ascension store launches
November 13, 2009 by Jen Marsden · Leave a Comment
This week saw the launch of online eco retailer Ascension’s first physical shop in London. Jen Marsden and Maria Kaski were there to suss it out and celebrate.
Silky, sexy & stylish Christmas party frocks
November 13, 2009 by Maria Kaski · 1 Comment
Dare to bare your legs this festive season as we reveal the top 10 thigh skimming and mid-length party dresses that will have you turning heads whatever the occasion. Maria Kaski writes.
Stocking Fillers for under £30
November 5, 2009 by Maria Kaski · Leave a Comment
Stocking fillers are often impulsive last minute buys that end up costing far more than they are worth. Here we have our pick of the best stocking fillers for under £30 for you to treat yourself and friends to this Christmas. Maria Kaski writes.
12 Covetable Coats for Winter
October 26, 2009 by Maria Kaski · Leave a Comment
12 stylish coats for winter
Shield yourself against blustery English weather with our pick of 12 stylishly ethical coats. From bright, stand out cover-ups to classic styles that will last a lifetime, we’ve got something to satisfy even the pickiest of shoppers. Amiee Jones writes.
Classic
1 – Sika Ghanian raincoat
Raincoat’s are a wardrobe essential for every fashionista looking to keep dry during winter and this Sika coat is a classical version that will remain a key piece for years. The printed ghanian cotton, with it’s slight sheen, the thick buckle belt and traditional double breasted style exude a grown-up type of sophistication that is both practical and luxurious. Currently retailing at £189
2 – Ivana Helsinki Star raincoat
Finnish designer Ivana Helsinki excels in creating classic pieces with an edge. The vintage style of this beautiful coat harks back to screen icons of the fifties who wore masculine, spy style coats draped over the most glamorous of dresses. The fullness of the skirt, combined with the cape-like material that falls over the shoulders and tiny gold buttons running up the centre give it a healthy dose of femme fatale appeal. £690
3 – Eloise Grey Toklas tweed coat
This sweet tweed coat is ideal for a leisurely country walk, with its simple print and traditional shape. Its ‘oyster’ pocket, which is a play on the ticket pocket used on gentleman’s tailoring, adds an unexpected twist to the design. Made versatile by its unfussy aesthetic, it will look just as at home over a floral dress as it will with your favourite pair of jeans. Available at eloisegrey.com for £820
Slouchy
1- Beautiful Soul Aimi coat
After introducing you to this label’s debut collection recently, we’re still in awe of its masterful cuts and exquisite prints. This coat will undeniably make a fantastic focal point in an otherwise simple outfit. The rich colour palette and original japanese kimono fabric render it a true show stopper that will stay in your affections year after year. Grab in at Ascension for £295
2 – Prairie Underground Moth coat
A clever mix of casual fabric with an interesting silhouette is what sets this coat apart in the style stakes. The almost avant-garde shape is pared down and made instantly wearable by using thick jersey in discreet colours that whisper luxury in hushed tones. There’s a definite sense of sports luxe about this coat that embodies a easy, laid back attitude. $253 (£156) at tobi.com
3 – People Tree Jacquard drape jacket
Monochrome prints are set to be a key trend this Autumn/Winter and the gorgeous, go-with-anything, cut of this coat can be slung easily over masses of outfit combinations. This draped, unstuctured style is a typically eighties shape which has recently resurfaced due to its addictive throw-on-ability factor and canny way of flattering all body types. Made of 100% handwoven cotton, it is a available at Equaclothing.com for £94
Cosy
1- Fin organic wool coat
Scandinavian designers Fin have been compared to Brit favourite, Stella McCartney, due to their ability to create simplistic yet luxurious pieces, utilising clean lines and gorgeous materials. Made entirely from black organic wool, this statement coat features an oversized collar and cuffed sleeves that give it a preppy, school girlish feel. Adorable with thick tights and some brogues to complete the look, it’s a super cosy way to wrap up this winter. Pre order it for £630 from fashion-conscience.com
2 – Merino wool cape by Lowie
Specialising in handmade accessories, Lowie’s knitwear is simultaneously retro and modern. Balance out the volume of this grey cape with a narrow bottom half of skinny jeans or tights. A sweet, less cumbersome alternative to a coat, it’s a great way to experiment with layering or show off this season’s elbow length gloves. This retails at £190.
3 – Prairie Underground Town coat
Known best for its hoodies, Prairie Underground has combined features from its hoodies with those of a coat to come up with something truely unique and marvelously duvet-like. Made from organic cotton, with double breasted buttons, large pockets to thrust cold hands into and a neck that can be fastened right up to the nose – not much will get past this heavy duty number. $310 (£190) at beklina.com
Bright
1 – Christopher Raeburn yellow parker
Gathering a following for his innovative use of reclaimed military parachute fabric, Raeburn’s coats are both visually striking and completely waterproof. This sunshine yellow style seems an ironic, yet exciting colour to wear during wet weather. Featuring a large hood, adjustable waist and hem, it’s an absolute must if you’re intent on arriving at the office smugly dry. It retails at £595 and is available at Browns.
2 – Cecilia Hammarborg red mandarin coat
Emulate Little Red Riding Hood, minus the hood, in this cute as pie red swing coat. Puffed shoulders nod to this season’s current shoulder obsession and the deep pleats allow the fabric to fall in a flattering way to just below the derriere. The happy colour alone is enough to bring a smile to one’s face on the most bleak of winter mornings. £245 at Equaclothing.com
3- Ascension Kayla coat
A basic shape provides a blank canvas for bold and beautiful winter florals in this printed Ascension coat. The print used on this striking coat is inspired by the iconic ikat designs of the middle east. A contrasting palette of pink, blue, black and white makes for an eye-catching combination, the black ensuring that it looks winter appropriate. Not advised for wallflowers, it retails at £159 at Ascension.
Shield yourself against blustery English weather with our pick of 12 stylishly ethical coats. From bright, stand out cover-ups to classic styles that will last a lifetime, we’ve got something to satisfy even the pickiest of shoppers. Amiee Jones writes.
Love vintage, visit QueensOfVintage.com
