News — Fashion

My name is Alex, and I want to tell you all about how Handmade is helping me grow.

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“Exclusive is not just paying expensive, it is having something that was especially made for you.”-Luis Moreno

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1.) Melanin & Sustainable Style

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

2.) Ethicalelephant

 

Are you searching for well-researched reviews on vegan and cruelty free beauty fashion products? Vicky Ly gives incredible helpful tips on these topics on her blog Ethicalelephant, started in 2015 after doing numerous things to improve the welfare of animals… Ethicalelephant is definitely a main resource when it comes to reliable information about an ethical lifestyle related to the wild life!

 

 

3.) Jan n’ June

 

 

4.) Seasons + Salt

 

Andrea started this beautiful blog Season + Salt in 2015 with the aim to change the main direction of fast fashion towards slow and conscious fashion. She works exclusively with ethical brands and designers that follow the same vision. Get inspired by her sparkling feel-good and do-good style compiled in her weekly look-books!

 

 

5.) Cultura Con Wellness

Ever heard or read about conscious sustainable lifestyle that empowers the Latino community…?

No…?

Then explore Cultura Con Wellness. Cindy combines an ethical way of living with her cultural background of Guatemalan and Salvadorian Origins. As a result of this combination you can find for example great post about “4 Simple Steps To Make Ponche Guatemalteco for the Holidays” or find out about the Latinx Heritage Month Collab which shows astonishing make-up looks using Latino owned ingredients from conscious brands.

 

 

6.) Tortoise & Lady Grey

 

This lifestyle blog was created by Summer in order to show the world that sustainability and fashion can go very well hand by hand. You want to know how? Summer shows it! On her blog you are called upon a 20 Days Sustainable Fashion Challenge and you are introduced to 6 Steps to a Sustainable Wardrobe. Make sure to check on Tortoise and Lady Grey’s!  

 

 

7.) Eco Fashion Talk

 

Do you want to lose sense of time while reading and exploring the endless world of the Eco Fashion World? Here on the blog Eco Fashion Talk you will. The articles are fascinating and give deep insights and particular perspectives on the field. This blog is one of the main resources if you want to gain serious information and to be introduced to great designers and brands working with the zero waste policy and other eco friendly garments.

 

 

8.) StyleWise

 

What is StyleWise about? On this amazing blog you get monthly posts on nearly everything you need and want to know about conscious brands and social justice via sustainable fashion and lifestyle. Leah reviews fantastic ethical fashion brands and shares her personal eco wardrobe that proves how stylish Eco can be!

 

 

9.) Bead & Reel

 

Do you want some personal insights of the life and work of a Hollywood Costume Designer? Than Bead and Reel is the right place to look: Sica Schmitz wanted to show her values as a vegan and supporter of charitable working conditions. That’s when she founded her ethical boutique Bead and Reel. Dive into her (digital) world at Bead and Reel and find inspiration for your ethical wardrobe.

 

 

10.) Ethical Fashion Guatemala

 

Ethical Fashion Guatemala is owned and led by a group of weavers and artisans from Guatemala. In this blog you can discover a wide range of products, from weaving or chocolate workshops to handmade luxury leather products- you find here nearly everything that your ethical heart desires.

On their commendable blog you can explore as well how the Guatemalan artisans work and create ethical pieces (by hand), you are introduced to Guatemalan fashion designers and to Guatemala’s top fashion brands! Don’t miss out to participate on this great work.

 

 

11. Ecocult

EcoCult is a celebration of all that exists in the cross between beauty and sustainability. With a lighter and fun tone than most sustainability focused blogs and publications, EcoCult makes going green fun! Which is what it should be, and is! Look to Alden for inspiration and great reads :) Worth to follow this great resource …

  

 

12. Eco Warrior Princess

Jennifer Nini is the original Eco Warrior Princess, and has been writing about sustainability since 2010! Jennifer and her team works from two angles. First they work to raise awareness of the social and environmental impact by highlighting brands and people doing good. Secondly they give first hand accounts on how it is to live life ethically and sustainably, with the successes and failures that comes with it. A refreshing read, that will keep you entertained and motivated all at once. Much love and thanks for that!

 

 

13.) People Tree – Sustainable and Fair Trade  Fashion

 

The award winning foundation People Tree is definitely one of the most famous and popular resources on Sustainable and Fair-Trade fashion. Starting their work back in 1991 they called themselves the “pioneers” of Fair Fashion. Their main goal is the achievement of labour and environmental justices. On their blog The Thread you find practical guides for an ethical way of living or eco friendly product swaps.

 

 

14.) Fashion Me Green

 

 

 

15.) Blog of CSF – Centre for Sustainable Fashion 

 

The Centre for Sustainable Fashion (CSF) is a Research Centre of the University of the Arts London (UAL). Do you want to know the best part? The blog of this scientific centre consists of the contribution of all the professional members of CSF such as Kate Fletcher, Sandy Black and many many more cool and highly engaged activists. I can’t recommend their blog more! Science and Eco together!

 

 

16.) Sustainably Chic

 

Another personality with integrity who cares for the world and environment is Natalie Kay. On Sustainably Chic she writes about her persuasion that fashion can exist responsibly which is the motto of her blog. While reading her posts you can feel her authenticity and originality. Furthermore I’m in love with her inspirational eco fashion lookbooks. This source definitely needs to be explored!

 

 

17.) The Good Trade

The Good Trade has turned into a powerhouse within the ethical fashion industry. Originally started as an online community for ethical consumers, it has now grown into a force for good. The Cadwell's and their team is on a mission to drive significant social change. By enlightening readers about ethical brands, products, and ideas, power and money is moved from unethical companies to those who are sustainable and free from forced labor.

What makes it so exciting?

It is working!

 

 

18.) Life + Style + Justice

 

As Hannah Marian’s blog names it, she combines Life + Style + Justice. The idea behind this concept is to bring justice into your everyday life by following an ethical and sustainable lifestyle. Her blog covers topics from women’s rights and fashion, to her thoughts on the tragedy of Rana Plaza after visiting Bangladesh and her recommendations for everyday products towards a zero-waste lifestyle.

Here you can find a lot of high quality mind food :)

 

  19.) Un-Fancy

 

Caroline started her ethical fashion blog Un-Fancy in 2014 with the idea of exploring new ways of living fashion by a simplified wardrobe. She shares the lessons she learnt on her journey. Beyond this, Caroline gives you a bunch of ideas of how to style and combine creatively few but good pieces.

Make sure to check out her outfits and 10x10 wardrobe challenges. It’s pure joy to jump with Caroline into ethical fashion and style. 

 

 

20.) Style Destino

From Dubai to Mumbai to New York: Style Destino shows how to live and style vegan, no matter where you are. You gain great insights about best places to shop vegan in Mumbai, eat vegan in New York and to be vegan stylish in Downtown Dubai. Shruti Jain started Style Destino back in 2011 by sharing her personal journey to a cruelty-free lifestyle. Among other interesting things you find reviews and recommendations of unknown but high quality designers and their products, such as Payal Khandwala’s pieces of beauty.

 

 

Good things come in threes

 

Just because you want to look smart in the office, doesn't mean that you need to sacrifice the comfort, and spend 8 hours in painful heels. Research shows that wearing high heels frequently can cause damage to your spine, hips, knees, ankles, and feet. We've gathered 15 must-have office footwear for 2017 that creates a stunning look without compromising the comfort.  

Ankle Strap Leather Loafers | $96/€91 | www.stories.com

& Other Stories’ collections are based on inspiring stories from fashion. Previous collaborations include a collection with singer Lykke Li that was released together with her third album.

These modern and sleek flats are perfect for dressing sharp and making a statement in the office.

XPRESSO Crossover Flat | $227/€215 | www.russellandbromley.co.uk

 

Moccasin Blueberry Premium | $136/€129 | www.mamahuhu.online 

Mamahuhu designs are focused on style through colorful minimalism. An ethical brand who hand makes all their shoes in sustainable workshops in Colombia. Did you know they have created jobs for over 115 unemployed artisans?

A modern upgrade to the classic moccasin with an elegant blueberry tone, this shoe is comfortable and easy to wear in the office environment.

Amber Loafer | $395/€376 | www.rag-bone.com

Rag & Bone has their roots firmly placed into British heritage mixed with modern designs. Did you know that Marcus and David, the creative duo behind Rag & Bone, have been friends since they were 14?

A timeless design with classic striped webbing strap. A must have for creating an elegant and confident image.

 

ØriginalGrand Wingtip Oxford | $200/€190 | www.colehaan.com

Cole Haan’s history goes back to 1928 when the brand was started Chicago. In it’s long history, it has even been partly owned by Nike.

This tradition wingtip brogue with high-tech rubber sole makes it a supremely comfortable fit from boardroom to dinner meeting.

Lace-up Leather Point-toe Flats | $307/€292 | www.loefflerrandall.com

Loeffler Randall is run by husband and wife, Brian and Jessie. Focused on designs that are modern yet timeless. Did you know that the first shoes sold held part of their wedding invitations?

Statement-making yet sophisticated, fashion-forward yet totally wearable, these wine flats with ties at ankle goes well with any office wears. 

Carrie Metallic Leather Point-toe Flats | $355/338 | www.sjp-collection.com

Sarah Jessica Parker focus on using color as a neutral in her shoe design. She is also extremely hands on with the brand, and prioritizes attending purchasing meetings herself.

A statement piece with all the elements needed: metallic leather in 'Poison' hue, chic cutouts, flattering T-bar, and, these are Sarah Jessica Parker's Carrie' flats.

Sloan d'Orsay Flats in Batik Floral | $211/€201 | www.jcrew.com

J.Crew is about mixing. About combining “dress up” and “dress down”. An american brand, they source materials from all around the world.

A must have for team building parties, this open d'Orsay flat uses floral print and sloping toe design to add some extra feminine feeling.

Fynn Suede Velvet Ballet Flats | $123/€117 | www.samedelman.com

Sam Edelman shoes are made by combining laid-back luxury and a love of travel. They have many styles, with understated elegance being the keyword that ties it all together.

A chic alternative to heels, these ballet flats with midnight blue shade can definitely contribute to an elegant look with great comfort.

The Sandy Koniec Black Handmade Flats | $246/€234 | sevillasmith.com

Faye Sevilla Smith is a modern shoemaker, hand crafting shoes from her home in Philadelphia, and sometimes from an apartment in Barcelona.

A graceful, sculptural, minimal flat that flatters every foot. Made with soft leather, this pair is like cool leather socks with soles.

Victoric Velvet Slippers | $264/€251 | shoplucychoilondon.com

Lucy Choí’s collections are created to wow by combining “rock” and “royal”. As the niece of shoe designer Jimmy Choo, you might say shoes is part of her DNA.

If you ever wish to fit in yet stand out, these brown velvet slip-ons with gunmetal toe caps would definitely be the right choice.

Wittner collections revolve around leather shoes with a modern classic style. The brand is still owned by the Wittner family, now in the third generation.

A proper rebel, this brogue style d'Orsay is seriously styled and crafted from rich patent leather. A modern update to the classic lace up.

Green Velvet Kitty Flats | $447/€425 | charlotteolympia.com

Charlotte Olympia crafts her collections as a love letter to the old Hollywood glamour. With a mother who was a model, and a grandfather rich from banking, she is well versed with the life of glamour.

Adding a touch of royalty to your office wardrobe with this pair of handcrafted velvet flats, embroidered in gold tone.

Classic Suede Loafers | $372/€354 | www.mansurgavriel.com

Mansur Gavriel is all about simplicity. By focusing on the basics of material and color, they chase a beautiful and clean aesthetic that also has warmth to it. 

This  rich pink suede loafer is a timeless pair that you could wear with everything.

Metallic Ballerinas | $117/€111 | www.uterque.com

Uterqüe was created for accessories, under the belief that a well-rounded look is dependent on good accessories. Did you know Uterqüe is a sister company of Zara?

A bold metallic finish with eye-catching circular buckle makes these loafers an essential for casual Fridays.

 

Last few years have seen a wide range of ethical brands emerging around the world, betting against fast fashion, and taking on responsibilities for people and our planet.

Led by the impactful Who Made My Clothes campaign, consumers realize more of the detrimental effect of fast fashion industry, and start to care about the story behind their wardrobes.

If the tragedy in Bangladesh was the catalyst for this ethical fashion movement, then these 10 ethical fashion influencers we have interviewed are the key players in energizing and empowering this ongoing movement. They are dedicated to increase the conscious consumer base and facilitate ethical and sustainable fashion choices.

 

Jennifer Nini - Eco Warrior Princess

Based In | Australia

Ethics | Helping people become more mindful, and mindful businesses reach more people

Biggest accomplishment | Living in a tent for four months in regional Australia with no solid plan but only sense of freedom. My awakening began at that point.

The trigger for Jennifer to start promoting ethical fashion was her experience in late 2008, when she traveled to China on a mission to start a fashion label with her business partner. The eye opening moment was what she saw in the factories. “The sadness of the people's eyes as they worked, the robotic nature of the environment, the female toilet with no working light, the blatant lack of quality assurance, the sad piles of garments on the floor. The factory owners telling us that we were not allowed to take photos… These memories are burned into my brain. I cannot undo them now.”

Upon return to Australia on a mission to share what she saw, Jennifer started investigating how fashion could be done better. “I did not want to be a part of a shallow and superficial industry that made huge profits by selling customers on cool, trendy, beautiful lifestyles, without showing them the rest of it; the truth of it.” This experience led Jennifer to start Eco Warrior Princess in 2010.

3 steps people can start to use to participate in ethical and sustainable fashion

• Do your homework about the brands and their products before making any fashion purchases.
• Always purchase the best quality, responsibly produced item you can afford.
• Pay the knowledge forward. Talk to your friends and family about what you're learning so that you may positively influence their choices.

 

Alden Wicker - EcoCult

Based In | USA

Ethics | Promote sustainable and ethical fashion, non-toxic beauty, local and organic food, eco-friendly home design, and conscious NYC events.

Biggest accomplishment | All the times somebody has told me that because of me, they chose a sustainable or ethical purchase over a conventional one!

After graduating from college in 2010, Alden was learning about the importance of sustainable food, and wondered if the concept can be applied to fashion. She then started buying clothing and accessories that reflect her values - non-polluting, renewable resources, low waste - just like how she buys groceries and meals.

From Alden’s perspective the biggest challenge ethical and sustainable fashion is facing is the uneven playing field and overabundance of information. There needs to be a governing body that certifies ethical and sustainable fashion so consumers can easily make a choice on the spot, instead of having to get a master's degree in textile science. She is adding that it would be great if there are more legislation, taxes, and tariffs that make it prohibitively expensive to produce and sell exploitative and polluting fashion. 

3 steps people can start to use to participate in ethical and sustainable fashion

• Get to know your own style and the type of clothing that flatters you
• Decide what is important to you. Vegan and cruelty-free? Sustainably made? Ethically made? Produced locally? Handmade by artisans?
• Next time you are looking for something new to add to your wardrobe, check out my Shopping Guide

 

AmyAnn Cadwell - The Good Trade

Based In | USA

Ethics | Online publication providing resources for ethically minded consumers through consumer guides and editorial features of social impact companies.

Biggest accomplishment | Guide to Ethical & Fair Trade Clothing Brands has been read nearly 2 million times by conscious consumers all over the world.

Documentaries like The True Cost reveal how fast fashion is depleting the earth's resources and leveraging slave labor to pass a cheap cost to the end consumers. Like many of us, AmyAnn was deeply disturbed by the story behind fast fashion industries, but very often we don't know where to start to change our lifestyles or spending habits. She thinks that we have the responsibilities to question the status quo and support companies that align with our values.

''It's really difficult for sustainable fashion brand to compete with fast fashion in terms of price and convenience. What ethical fashion companies need is to pioneer a message: minimalism and quality over quantity.'' She believes it's time to reinvent the standard of how much stuff we are supposed to have. ''Ethical consumption is not only about buying more conscious products, but is also about buying less things in general and making the few purchases that really count in terms of quality, ethics and durability.”

3 steps people can start to use to participate in ethical and sustainable fashion

• Buy less
• Buy for quality
• Research everything

 

Natalie Kay Smith - Sustainably Chic

Based In | USA

Ethics | Social entrepreneur who helps conscious consumers find sustainable alternatives to purchasing fashion.

Biggest accomplishment | I’m proud of what I’ve created, and having a job I really love is pretty amazing.

Natalie never thought that blogging was going to become her full-time job, but she knew she wanted to make an impact in fashion. Five years ago when in college, she came across a few articles about the unethical treatment & waste within the fashion industry. It was from that point that she started looking into her own purchasing habits and felt compelled to be a part of the slow fashion movement.

Sustainably Chic is a place where you can find everything you need to make your purchases smarter and meaningful. “All the brands listed on my site are ones I know very well. I know they are quality, ethical and responsible. While I make a living being a blogger, I never promote anything unless I’m confident about it.”

3 steps people can start to use to participate in ethical and sustainable fashion

• Figure out what you need and what you don’t by going through what you already have
• Second, follow blogs - like Sustainably Chic ;)
• Tell your friends! We forget how powerful our own voices are. The conversation can never stop.

 

Greta Eagan - Fashion me Green

Based In | USA

Ethics | Resource for aligning the world of mainstream fashion with a conscious and ethical approach. 

Biggest accomplishment | Publishing the book Wear No Evil: How to Change the World with Your Wardrobe.

Greta dedicated her dissertation to sustainability in fashion while she was in school. That's when she discovered so many awesome and stylish brands and she wanted to share in a visible way. And that was perfect reason to start a blog featuring eco fashion with very high style standards.

She strives to provide content that is inspiring and helps to bridge the gap between mainstream style and ethical/eco-living. ''My goal is to be a go-to resource for women to find the 'eco alternatives' for fashion, beauty and lifestyle without sacrificing an iota of style.''

3 steps people can start to use to participate in ethical and sustainable fashion

• Wash your clothes less
• Invest in quality, not quantity
• Hold onto things

 

Cristina Palacios - FairChanges

Based In | Spain

Ethics | Designer for social change

Biggest accomplishment | Gathering together 300 sustainable brands with over 2800 products with positive impact.

Cristina agrees that as time goes people are recognizing the importance of sustainability in fashion, but it is neither an easy nor quick process. “Nowadays advanced societies do care about adjacent implications of what they buy. Aspects such as child labor, slavery, pollution have to be removed.”

And the way to do it in the cases in which there is no law that protects human rights or resources is through conscious living. As Anna Lappè said: "Every time we spend money, we're casting a vote for the kind of world we want.''

3 steps people can start to use to participate in ethical and sustainable fashion

• Buy less
• Choose well
• Make it last (in Vivienne Westwood's words)

  

Hannah Theisen - Life+Style+Justice

Based In | USA

Ethics | Sustainable and ethical lifestyle advocate, blogger and development consultant per day.

Biggest accomplishment | Not to a zero waste point yet, but taking steps towards it

Hannah believes that transparency is one of the most important element when it comes to ethical and sustainable fashion. Companies need to provide information about their products, where they are coming from and how they come to our hands. It doesn't need to be perfect as long as it its transparent.

“People have a right to know where their clothes, shoes, and household goods come from.'' Hannah raised an inspiring question: ''if tobacco industry needs to put a label on their products saying smoking is bad for your health, how come clothes don't include such information on whether it is harmful to our planet or people?'' Being transparent and honest can only build trust between consumer and company, and it can make a difference.

3 steps people can start to use to participate in ethical and sustainable fashion 

• Buy less, buy smarter
• Practice mindfulness and look for your options
• Focus not only on the labor impact but also environmental impact. It affects people too.

 

Jacqui Palhegiy - Birds of a Thread

Based In | USA

Ethics | Communications manager by day, who loves to sew, up cycle, and scope out new ethical fashion brands in my spare time.

Biggest accomplishment | Featured on Colette Patterns' Seam work podcast

An advocat for making bigger impact to the environment then we can imagine, Jacqui believes that it all starts with consuming less, and reevaluating our relationship with stuff. “I'm not a minimalist per se, but I do try to ask myself a series of questions before making new purchases. Namely: 1) Do I really need it? 2) Can I make it? 3) Can I buy it secondhand? 4) If not, how will the materials used to make it affect the environment?”

Jacqui suggests put pressure on brands by writing to them directly, or tagging them in your social posts on Fashion Revolution Day, and asking "who made my clothes?" or "what is your company doing to protect the environment?" 

3 steps people can start to use to participate in ethical and sustainable fashion

• Check your wardrobe inventory before you go shopping
• Find 2-3 ethical brands you love
• Learn to sew or repair your own clothing

 

Kasi Martin - The Peahen

Based In | USA

Ethics | Ethical fashion writer or journalist, making ethical fashion go mainstream

Biggest accomplishment | Giving TEDx talk about ethical fashion

Kasi tends to bring intellect back to the fashion. In her words, she thinks that today we treat fashion the same way we treat food. “The important thing is telling people to slow down a bit. People are just checking fashion off of their lists. We buy for clothes the same way we buy fast food. And that’s not the way it should be it should be more aligned to how we shop for the furniture. It should be built to last.”

She is aware that in her circles ethical fashion sounds trendier than it actually is and that the reality is underwhelming. ''The positive side is that small niche brands are taking off, and it’s happening slowly. What the industry needs now is formal regulation.''

3 steps people can start to use to participate in ethical and sustainable fashion

• Pick one cause – human rights, environment or animals
• Figure out your personal sense of style
• Set checks and balances for shopping

 

Jan Brownile - Tartan Brunette

Based In | UK

Ethics | Reformed fast fashion addict, trying to create a more ethical wardrobe while sharing my experiences.

Biggest accomplishment | Living with a smaller wardrobe has been a pretty big accomplishment and being named as one of the 50 most influential blogs in the Go Slow Awards 2016.

Being a regular shopaholic girl became a past for Jan when she watched the documentary The True Cost. She perceives fast fashion as skewing our understanding of cost and value. “It has now become normal to pick up a t-shirt for less than £5. So when you look at the prices of ethical brands, they seem to be overpriced when in reality that is the true cost of producing a t-shirt. We need to change this viewpoint and return to valuing our clothes and paying a fair price.”

After realizing the real value of clothing and other possessions, Jan started testing the concept of capsule wardrobes. It has been a successful experience for her, and now she 's dedicated to sharing her approach with those who also want to make a change to their shopping habits.

3 steps people can start to use to participate in ethical and sustainable fashion

• Educate yourself
• Try a capsule wardrobe
• Ask yourself will I wear this 30 times when shopping

 

Here are some ethical and sustainable brands recommended by the bloggers:

Stella Mccartney, Miranda Bennett, The Acey, The Sway. Svilu and Isabel de Hillerin ,Amour Vert and Everlane, Suno and Mayiet, Krochet Kids, Everlane, Reformation, People Tree, Zady, Reformation, Titania Inglis, Maiyet, Synergy organic clothing, Saico design, Abrazo style, Eva Cassis, Organic by John Patrick, KowTow Clothing, COSSAC, Svilu and Mina + Olya, Scottish Design Exchange, ASOS Eco Edit, People Tree