Ethical Menswear – A Pressy Guide

Posted on November 13, 2012 by admin

Christmas is only 6 weeks away, so loads of time left to get your Christmas shopping done. I thought I would help out by sharing with you a few ideas for ethical menswear for the men in your life including dads, brothers, husbands, boyfriends and sons. Christmas is a great time to treat them to something a little more luxurious than they might usually buy for themselves and by buyng sustainable and ethical menswear as a gift, you can not only buy them something stylish and well made but also minimise the environmental impact of Christmas and help to reduce poverty. So here is my ethical menswear pressy guide.

Knitwear

Komodo is definitely one of my favourite brands for womens wear but I hadn’t really checked out their menswear before. This Cornelius jumper is made from soft wook but has a chunky and slightly rugged look. It is of course also made under fair trade principles.

Shirts

Arthur & Henry launched this year with some amazing Fairtrade and organic cotton shirts. The shirts are made with extreme attention to detail from the compact, elegant seams that are a result of a high number of stitches per inch to the fused buttons that will never fall off, the pattern matching, removable collar stiffeners and a horizontal bottom button. The collection includes both causal and formals shirts. I love this blue floral print shirt but they also have plainer choices for men that are less adventurous with their clothing!

T shirts

People Tree have some fantastic t shirts for autumn and winter made from organic and Fairtrade cotton. I particularly love the wildlife inspired designs like this wolf face t shirt (I may well get this one for Mr S) and they also have lots of other lovely colour block and stripey t shirts. In addition Rapanui and newly launched Albatross clothing have some fun organic cotton t shirts.

Wash Bag

This Recycled hose bag by Elvis and Kresse looks great and is useful too. Your man will probably be interested to know that it is actually made from recycled fire hoses making it strong and waterproof and lined with high visibility waste parachute silk.

Accessories

For men that like something a little different and quirky, these WeWood watches are perfect. Available in a variety of designs, they are also hypo allegernic and completely free from chemicals. WeWood ensure that for every watch sold a replacement tree is planted.

Underwear

Admittedly pants are probably not the most exciting of Christmas pressies but every man needs them and Christmas may be the only time his pants draw ever gets an overhaul. Pants to Poverty make extra soft and comfy pants that look great too and they will also help toward making Poverty history so if you are going to buy pants, these are about as good as it gets!

That is it for now, do you know of any great places to buy ethical menswear?, if so I would love to know.

With warmest wishes

Ceri x

Ps this post does contain some affiliate links

Customised T-shirts – How to keep it ethical

Posted on October 24, 2012 by admin

In an age of ever changing fashions, disposable is the key. Making things cheaply to keep customers in the latest trends is so popular, but at what cost to the
environment and the people making it?

People rarely stop to think about the consequences of buying clothing that may not be
from an ethical source. Cotton, in particular, is seen as a ‘dirty’ crop due to
how many insecticides are used on it and how poorly treated cotton workers are.

Organic cotton, on the other hand, has no pesticides whatsoever used on it making it better for the environment, but also preventing cotton workers from getting skin
irritations and other health problems associated with chemicals. Not only this,
but cotton is stronger when it is naturally produced as chemicals damage it and
make it less durable.

A lot of high street shops do not use ethically sourced cotton, however, most t-shirt printing companies do. Growing cotton organically allows more revenue to go to the farmer as they are not wasting money on fertilisers. Thankfully, ethical consumerism has taken off and people can’t get enough of Organic or Fairtrade products.

Organic products allow soil fertility to be maintained or improved and prevent severe
pest infestation. Because the pesticides used are natural, there is no risk to
groundwater or rivers. As well as this, farmers and their families are protected from harmful chemicals.

There is a higher demand for Organic cotton as people are constantly searching for high quality cotton produced under strict guidelines that allow farmers and workers to gain financially. Those involved in the production of Organic cotton are schooled in
the best practises and receive logistical and technical support from Organic organisations.

Many Organic cotton farmers are women as there are no chemicals that could harm them or their fertility. This enables them the financial freedom and independence they
so crave and makes it a less sexist industry to work in.

Fairtrade is a strategy whereby producers and workers who have been economically
disadvantaged or marginalised by the trading system can gain access to help
that will allow them to overcome these barriers. The Fairtrade mark is a
registered label for products that come from farmers/workers in developing
countries.

Colonial crops such as cotton, as well as coffee and cocoa, are the main sources of
income in the Third World. Cotton, in particular, is the most widespread
vegetal textile in the world which is why its production HAS to be as ethical
as possible.

To date more than 500,000 people in developing countries have benefitted from the Fairtrade cotton industry. Most of the existing producer groups are increasing their
membership each year and this is only set to increase.

My Favourite Pieces from Purity Style

Posted on October 15, 2012 by admin

If you haven’t already checked out Purity Style, I would definitely recommend that you do. Purity Style is an organic and fair trade clothing boutique based in Farnham, Surrey. Their website features a fantastic selection of incredibly stylish clothing for both women and children. I love that the clothes on the site are not only sustainable and ethical but also really affordable and wearable. Purity Style stocks clothes by all of my favourite ethical brands including People Tree and Komodo but also a few more slightly under the radar brands which are well worth checking out. The site also has some really good sales so even if you are shopping on a tight budget, you shouldn’t have to much trouble finding something lovely.

Here are some of my favourite pieces from Purity Style.

nomads Jaipur Tunic Dress red jpg 2 My Favourite Pieces from Purity Style
Super flattering with clever pin tuck detail and made from a soft cotton jersey, I would wear this dress by Nomads either with opaque tights or leggings or as a tunic with a pair of skinny jeans. Definitely a great way to brighten up a dark winters day!

This Hydrangea Mac by Seasalt Cornwall is another fantastic way to brighten up a wet and windy autumn day. Its cheerful print on pu coated organic cotton will ensure that the rain won’t get you down or get you wet!

I have been on the look out for the perfect denim shirt for a while. This classic denim shirt by L’Herbe Rouge is not only fair trade but also made from sustainable and soft Tencel. It is a great wardrobe addition that can be worn all year round.

You can check out the full range of fashion at www.puritystyle.com

Return of the Mac – Coats for Autumn Winter 2012

Posted on August 30, 2012 by admin

Hands up who’s fed up with the weather? seems to be a prime topic for conversation both on and offline at the moment.

I getting pretty much fed up with waiting for summer to arrive that I might as well move onto autumn and winter, I am already feeling like I need a coat on. Last year when I bought myself a new coat , I really struggled to find anything ethical or sustainable that I liked so ended up just buying a really high quality coat that would last me for years. I don’t actually need a new winter coat or raincoat / mac this year but have seen some really lovely styles so I thought I would share just in case there is anyone else feeling the cold as well.

Classic Trench Coat – Nomads

The Original Seasalt Raincoat - Seasalt Cornwall

Black Charlotte Coat - People Tree (also available in Blue)

Alpaca Coat – Wall London

Organic Cotton Full Length Jacket - Rauffauf

Herringbone Cape – Reluxe

Monsoon Coat Return of the Mac Coats for Autumn Winter 2012 Wilfred Coat – Monsoon

If you are looking for a winter coat on a budget, don’t forget to check out the local charity shops or Oxfam fashion online where you can often find pretty amazing stuff!

with wamrest wishes

Ceri x

ps this post contains affiliate links!

Pin It

Ethical Lingerie Sale at Luva Huva

Posted on August 13, 2012 by admin

I was recently contacted by Ethical lingerie Luva Huva about their summer sale and they also send me a pair of knickers so that I could see the quality for myself. The collection looks fantastic and I was very pleasantly surprised by the beautiful quality. With underwear I usually opt for comfort above all else and that means I buy very plain styles. It was great to find an option that is supersoft and comfortable to wear but also a feminine style.

Luva Huva lingerie is handmade in the UK using sustainable fabrics wherever possible. 100% organic cotton, bamboo, and soy fabrics, along with end of line remnants, and vintage lace. They currently have an amazing summer sale with up to 50% off.

The summer collection also includes some clothing. I love these simple dresses for slipping over a bikini on the beach or on holiday.

What do you think?

With warmest wishes

Ceri x

Pin It

Ethical Menswear! Shirts by Arthur & Henry

Posted on July 20, 2012 by admin

I don’t often post about ethical menswear, partly because there is very little of it around and partly because it is an ongoing battle for me to persuade Mr Style Eyes to shop around for more ethical clothing. To be fair to him, I think shopping ethically is particularly challenging for men in terms of availabilty and choice. Which is why I was so pleased to hear about a new brand Arthur and Henry, which has some great fairtrade and organic mens shirts, high quality, beautifully made, with proper collars and with single and double cuffs, just what Mr S insists on for work!

Their website says:

We believe that every man needs a good shirt and so we founded Arthur & Henry to provide beautiful, ethical, men’s shirts.

arthur and henry 11 Ethical Menswear! Shirts by Arthur & Henry

I think Mr S will also love some of the other features of these shirts that have been so well thought out. The shirts are ‘long-fitting’ as research by Arthur and Henry indicated that one of the points about a man’s working shirt that drives men mad is when a shirt is too short. They are also not too long though so that you don’t have the ‘bunched-up’ look when the shirts are tucked in.The shirt seams are sewn with 20 stitches per inch, which compares with the more standard 14-15 stitches per inch giving more compact, elegant seams that resist rucking and make it easier to iron and makes the shirt more durable.

All buttons are attached with thermo-fused thread with lock stitches. In simple terms,
we have taken enough care to ensure that buttons are secured for the life of the shirt. Additionally, the last button of every shirt has a ‘horizontal bottom buttonhole’ (sounds slightly rude!). It is not however. It just means that you don’t have the ‘splaying’ effect while sitting down. arthur and henry 3 Ethical Menswear! Shirts by Arthur & Henry

Above all these shirts are beautiful to look at and and wear and made to last.

The first collection of shirts has just launched and includes 10 styles of classic, contemporary and casual shirts in 10 different fabrics. The shirts are made in India from Organic and Fairtrade cotton and also linen, the least environmetally damaging fabric of all. They are dyed using Azo free or vegetable dyes and manufactured according to the labour standard codes, including the stringent criteria of SA8000, covering issues
such as health and safety, wages and working hours and providing decent working conditions. The founders Arthur & Henry – Mark Lissaman, Clare Lissaman and
Sreeranga Rajan (Ranga as he is known) – are strong advocates of ethical and
environmental business practices with a wealth of experience in textiles, Fairtrade and environmental issues.

You can check out this fantastic new collection at www.arthurandhenry.com

What do you think? does your man buy ethically? or does he just love a really smart shirt?

With warmest wishes

Ceri x

Pin It

Ethical Fashion Sales and Discounts for Summer

Posted on July 3, 2012 by admin

One thing that I often here people say is that they don’t buy ethical fashion because it is too expensive. I always see it as an investment as a beautiful piece of high quality clothing will tend to last for much longer and as the styles are often more individual or classic and less trend led, they don’t really go out of fashion. That said I do often try and shop for ethical fashion in the sales as I like saving myself a bit of cash as much as anyone else. There are some amazing sales on at the moment allowing you to shop a great range of fantastic and affordable ethical fashion for summer. Here are just a few.

(just to let you know, this post does contain some affilate links, you can read more about my advertising policies here)

People Tree have up to 60% off in their summer sale with some beautiful Fairtrade fashion including dresses, t shirts and accessories.

Fashion Conscience have up to 70% off in their summer sale including the amazing prints by Fair + True.

Monsoon have up to 50% off in their sale including womenswear, childrens wear, accessories, homewear and even some wedding dresses!

Ethical Superstore have up to 70% off in their sale. They have a great selection of ethical clothing including brands like Monkee Genes, Komodo and Frank & Faith.

soda jacket Ethical Fashion Sales and Discounts for Summer

Seasalt have up to 40% off selected organic cotton items including some very cute seaside style and pretty prints.

Bibico have up to 50% off their simple and effortlessly stylish ethical clothing. So perfect for summer.

With warmest wishes

Ceri x

Pin It

Peplums and Cocktail Dresses at MuMu Organic

Posted on June 21, 2012 by admin

Today I have discovered yet more evidence that just because you want to dress sustainably you don’t have to look like a hemp wearing hippy! Todays discovery is MuMu organic, a sustainable fashion brand based in Greece (but with international shipping). As the name suggests most of the dresses are made from organic cotton, certified by GOTS, they are also fairly traded. I love the styles which include an assymetrical peplum dresses and sculpted black cocktail dresses. I think that they are the perfect choice for summer weddings, race days and other special occasions, I will let you make your own mind up!

I think the first and last are my absolute favourites, which do you love best.

You can check out the MuMu Organic website here.

With warmest wishes

Ceri x

Pin It

Veja Ethical Shoes and the Observer Ethical Awards

Posted on May 17, 2012 by admin

As a teenager, I spent a lot of time sailing pretty much lived in my deck shoes both onland and off land. They were super comfy and easy to wear but were never quite as colourful as these fantastic ones by ethical shoe brand Veja. The summer collection is called Mediterranee and is made from two tone organic cotton with vulcanized wild rubber soles.

Veja also have some fantastic trainers sneaker (or daps as they call them here in the West Country), with a fantastic retro style inspired by running tennis and Volley ball shoes.

The brand has a vision simple vision where another world is possible. They are inventing new ways to work that use ecologically friendly materials including organic and Fairtrade cotton from North East Brazil, vegetable tanned leathers and natural latex and a global chain which respects workers diginity. The brand also minimises its environmental impact and carbon emmissions at many levelsi ncluding energy use, transportation and packaging but they openly and honestly admit there limitations which include that the pigments used for dying leather, rubber and cotton, are not made from natural products. By reading the brands website you can begin to understand the huge challenges which face ethical shoe and fashion brands but it is great to see that Veja are taking postive steps in working towards their companies vision.

And here is the bit that is really interesting! Veja does not advertise. The resources saved are integrated into the production chain. This means the farmers and producers Veja works with are fairly remunerated – to accomodate their social and environmental requirements.

Veja have been shortlisted for Observer Ethical Awards in the Fashion and accessories category which is sponsored by Vogue. They have some really tough competition in this categroy with Ada Zandition and Bottle Top, both of which create pieces that are desirable beyond just their ethics (as is Veja). The winners will be announced at a ceremony on 30th May. Would Veja get your vote?

With warmest wishes

Ceri x

Pin It

From Clothing – Ethical Fitness Wear Review

Posted on May 14, 2012 by admin

I was recently contacted by From Clothing, to see if I would like to select a piece of clothing from their ethical fitness wear collection to review. As I spend quite a lot of time in fitness classes, I am always short of comfy and flattering clothes to wear so I jumped at the chance. I got the loose capri organic cotton leggings in grey marl (pictured above).

The leggings were great, made from a high quality and thick organic cotton they were just about everything I want from my fitness clothing dark in colour (although they have more colours if you prefer brighter fitness wear), flattering, not too close fitting, super comfy and good for the planet too! The loose fit makes them ideal for classes like body balance and pilates where I do lots of stretching and so don’t want clothes that will restrict my movement. The thick waistband is also comfortable, flattering and keeps them securely on my waist. These would also make a great pair of trousers for lounging around on a sunday afternoon. It is really refreshing to have a piece of clothing that is not covered with logos and brand names, it is just simple, stylish and contemporary.

In addition to fitness, From Clothing is also great for lifestyle/ lounge wear. The whole collection is made from GOTS (Global Organic Textiles Standard) certified organic cotton and is made for ‘natural shaped’ women.

Here is some more of the ethical fitness and lifestyle wear collection at From Clothing that I really liked. You can check out the full collection at www.fromclothing.com.