Give your hands the indulgent care they deserve with our pick of the best organic hand creams to keep them super smooth and beautifully sexy. Helen Warwick writes.
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Ah, the holiday season. Time for shopping, time for relaxing and of course time for partying and meeting our favourite people with a glass of wine. And when everyone’s feeling peckish, time for some delicious party nibbles! And for us, naturally, they are sprinkled with the magic of organic, fairtrade and locally sourced. Eleni Sardi selects her favourite combinations.
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This winter we welcome the return of the chunky knit and all the glorious warmth it provides. Here is our Top 10 pick of the hottest knits around to keep you snug at Christmas. Maria Kaski writes.
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The sky darkens, you hear a distant rumble and suddenly the heavens open. Outfit disaster? Not if you’re equipped with some eco-chic rainwear. Greenmystyle writer Alison Rowley has put together a list of ten indispensible eco-items that should keep a smile on your face even if you get stuck in the middle of an epic downpour.
1. Brelli
Like something out of an Eastern fairytale, The Brelli is striking, stylish and sustainably made. The spokes and handle are made from renewable bamboo, which is strong enough to withstand strong winds without blowing inside out, and its transparent canopy is completely biodegradable. This unique feature offers a welcome alternative to the often dreary greys and blacks of traditional umbrellas. But fear not, there is no danger of it disintegrating after the first few drops of a deluge – as a Brelli takes under five years to fully biodegrade after being discarded and does so whilst releasing completely harmless gases. In fact, the gases released by a discarded Brelli in a landfill can be harvested and then used to generate enough electricity to recoup more than 90% of the energy initially used to create the product!
Available in both a large (52” diameter, 34” length) and small (37” diameter, 24” length) size, prices start at $48 (approx. £30).
The Brelli Store
HYPERLINK “http://www.thebrelli.com/store/”thebrelli.com
2. Totes Eco’brella
If you’d prefer to shelter under something that leaves you feeling a little less exposed (but no less green), then Totes’ Eco’brella could be the perfect solution. With a canopy made from 100% recycled PET (derived by recycling plastic bottles), a frame constructed using 70% recycled aluminium, a bamboo handle and a waxed hemp strap, this umbrella is fashionable and earth-friendly. It opens and closes automatically at the touch of a button (ideal if you are taken by surprise with a sudden shower) and features a combined recycling symbol and raindrop logo, so you can declare your status as an environmentally angelic citizen with every step you take.
Available in new colours this season, the Eco’brella is on sale for £17.62 (or $21 for those in the US if ordered direct from Totes’ online store).
Saddler
Totes
HYPERLINK “https://www.saddler.co.uk/shop.html?pr=5104&cr=1551&simage=6902&pdesc=totes_ecobrella_umbrella_made_from_recycled_materials”saddler.co.uk
HYPERLINK “http://www.totes-isotoner.com/product/id/107451.do”totes-isotoner.com
3. Cole Haan Eco Trench
Eco-outerwear doesn’t get much sleeker than this. Cole Haan’s Eco Trench is 100% recycled, 100% polished and an instant eco-classic. Its oversized collar, banded sleeves and neat military-style shoulder epaulettes are water-resistant and timelessly elegant and it is also practical, with a removable liner in warm wool. It has multiple pockets with flap, zipper and button closures (ideal for safely stashing your mobile, diary or lip-gloss at a moment’s notice), a smart belt (with a gunmetal buckle) and a front covered placket that subtly fastens with an asymmetric zip. It comes with its own eco-tote (in a separate case that can be attached to the belt with a dog clip) and measures 36″ in length.
Available in black or a vibrant cherry red, it’ll set you back £301.48.
Saks Fifth Avenue
HYPERLINK “http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/context_chooser.jsp”saksfifthavenue.com
4. Patagonia waterproof jacket
A more casual option lies in Patagonia’s hip-length waterproof jacket. Made from recycled polyester, it is light, windproof and breathable and comes in either black or a delicious sounding ‘white chocolate’ colour. It features a special ‘H2No’ outer barrier, which is strengthened with a water repellent finish that repels rain and blocks wind (keeping you warm and dry on walks in the countryside… and 5pm dashes out of the office) and has an easily removable hood. The double front zip means it can fasten in two ways, adjustable snap cuffs keep your sleeves dry on the most blustery of weekends away and it has three pockets (including an internal one for your eco-diary or purse).
Cyclists, adventurers and laid back fashionistas: this jacket is currently priced at £150.
Ethical Superstore
HYPERLINK “http://www.ethicalsuperstore.com/products/patagonia/patagonia-womens-water-proof-jacket/”ethicalsuperstore.com
5. W.A.S.T.E Jacket
A final coat to covet is this unique, opinion dividing rain jacket from w.a.s.t.e. Designed and produced by Radiohead (yes, the band) for the store, it is made from approximately fifteen recycled water bottles, which makes it completely waterproof. At first glance, it may not seem as trendy as a trench or as beautiful as an eco-brolly, but this unisex piece has quirky cool written all over it. With its boyfriend-fit sizing and simple detailing, it screams festival fashion and would add the finishing touch to a green grunge outfit outside the tent-strewn fields (distressed bleached jeans, a vintage band tee and sky-high studded boots- if it starts raining, just throw this on over the top)!
A great conversation piece which you’ll either love or hate, it is available in just the one design and costs £45.
Waste
HYPERLINK “http://www.waste.uk.com/Store/waste-radiohead-dii-36-10064-lightweight+jacket+jacket.html”waste.uk.com
6. Hunter Wellingtons
Often, eco pumps and puddles don’t mix well, so sidestep the planet-harming, frumpy rain-proof footwear and get yourself a pair of wellington boots from Hunter. Pictured are a pair from the new and juicy-looking ‘Gloss’ range, which includes five funky colours, but all Hunter boots are made from natural rubber. As a result, feel free to pick out your own perfect pair in whatever block colour reflects your wardrobe tastes.
From lace-ups to equestrian style boots, there are plenty to choose from and prices start at £60.
Hunter
HYPERLINK “http://www.hunter-boot.com/2/1/Shop-Online/for-FUN/Original-Gloss/VIOLET/W23616_VIO.aspx?pindex=0&sw=W23616″hunter-boot.com
7. Kamik rain boots
If you want to make more of a statement with your wonderful Wellies, then consider Kamik’s ‘Daisy’ rain boots. Although they are made from PVC, Kamik crafted over 200 million of their boots from recycled content last year and ensure that every material used in their production is recyclable. Angelina Jolie, Gwenyth Paltrow and Kristen Bell have all been spotted sporting Kamiks, and the Daisy design is available in three colour combinations: black and white (pictured), fresh greens and sunburst yellows.
Prices range from $49.95 to $54.95 (approx. £30.30 to £33.30).
Zappos
HYPERLINK “http://www.zappos.com/kamik-daisy-white”zappos.com
8. Pluey’s Wellingtons
Pluey’s calf-length, natural rubber wellingtons come in a variety of designs, but we love the saucy ‘Oooh La Lace’ pair. Sturdy, feminine and with an adjustable buckle and strap, these ‘puddle stompers’ will add a quirky edge to your outfit or a bit of glam to your beachside stroll (all whilst keeping your feet dry and cosy).
13” high and with a 1” heel, they are on sale for $60 (approx. £36.40).
Pluey’s
HYPERLINK “http://www.plueys.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=21&products_id=20″plueys.com
9. EaKo’s Fire Hose Tote Bag
Pockets in your rain coat not big enough to hide away your on-the-go essentials? EaKo’s Fire Hose Tote Bag is spacious, splash-proof and slightly eccentric, as well as being eco-friendly. The outside is made from decommissioned fire hose that had previously been used in active fire-fighting duty for up to 30 years, the lining from reclaimed office furniture, but this pillar-box red bag is still timeless in its beautiful design. It measures 35cm by 25cm by 10cm, features a large zipped pocket and mobile phone holder on the inside, two exterior pockets (which are also zip fastening) and has robust, neatly stitched tapered straps which sit comfortably on the shoulder.
Handmade, unique and (due to the nature of the recycled materials) quirkily detailed, this bag is priced at £180. 50% of EaKo’s profits from their fire hose range are donated to The Fire Fighters Charity.
Ecoemporia
HYPERLINK “http://www.ecoemporia.com/products/fire-hose-tote-bag”ecoemporia.com
10. Helen Riegle bag
Inspired by the rays of the sun, this lovely bag from Helen Riegle’s recycled PET range is sure to brighten up any overcast day. The ziptop tote has an inside pocket, delicate stitch detailing and PVC-free synthetic leather trim and handles. The lining is also the same fresh chartreuse shade and zips and other hardware are made of attractive brass.
Measuring 9″ in height, 14″ in width and 5″ in depth, this bag is roomy, radiant, resplendently green and is currently on sale for $50 (approx. £30) – half its normal price!
Her-Design
HYPERLINK “http://www.her-design.com/catalog_vc.html?Iit=56&Ict=62″her-design.com
The sky darkens, you hear a distant rumble and suddenly the heavens open. Outfit disaster? Not if you’re equipped with some eco-chic rainwear. Greenmystyle writer, Alison Rowley, has put together a list of ten indispensible eco-items that should keep a smile on your face even if you get stuck in the middle of an epic downpour.
From resin rings to forties berets, Pure London was awash with covetable ethical accessories. Amiee Jones picks the top 10 exhibited accessories from Pure.
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Although summer’s not even in full swing, the Autumn Winter 2009 collections at Pure London proved luxurious and colourful enough to get us excited about the impending chilly seasons. Maria Kaski picks the best pieces on show.
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Although 346million fewer plastic bags are being used monthly than 2006, seven supermarkets that aimed to cut the number of carrier bags given out by 50% have just missed the target, with a reduction of 48%. Give them and the environment a helping hand, and always keep a roomy tote on you when you plan on hitting the shops. Maria Kaski picks the top ten plastic bag alternatives.
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Embrace nature with the top 10 flowery items that will see you through the Spring season.
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From baby blue to turquoise, we take a look at the accessories that are guaranteed to make a splash this season.
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As you get ready to ditch your winter layers we present you with the 10 most gorgeous clutch bags that will lighten your load and have you looking unburdened this season.
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