Posh Swaps Blog

Melissa Lady Dragon Westwood

Sometimes it can be difficult to be eco friendly and sustainable at the same time as being on trend and stylish especially when it comes to shoes. But fun brand Melissa are changing all that with their fun and colourful range of plastic shoes.

‘Hey wait a minute’, I can hear you saying to yourself  ‘plastic? eco friendly and sustainable?’  Well everything that we wear has some type of impact on  the environment including leather shoes and even organic hemp. Sustainability is all about reducing that impact as much as possible but in the fashion world sustainability also has to be trendy and attractive or it just won’t sell.

Melissa shoes are made from party recycled  plastic and are also recyclable helping to reduce their impact in terms of waste, carbon footprint and potentially other emissions produced during manufacture. They are made in a socially and environmentally responsible  factory in Brazil which also recycles its waste and water as much as possible.

The manufacturing process of thermo moulding plastic allows fun, colourful and creative designs to be made. The label has also proved that they are right on trend with collaborations with designers like Vivienne Westwood. They even smell like candy and I assume never need to be polished, what’s not to love?

Trends are great but they come and go. If you are a true follower of fashion you will need to update your wardrobe constantly to keep up with the latest fashions and trends. If everyone shopped in this way it would have a huge impact on the environment with a high carbon footprint and lots of waste.

Classic pieces of clothing are a great way to build a timeless wardrobe that will effortlessly take you from season to season on style. Most pieces of clothing that have earnt ‘classic’ status have done so for a really good reason. They are usually incredibly flattering and wearable pieces. But if you are worried you will look dated in classic clothes, don’t be. You can pick out some amazing modern classics that combine timeless style with a modern twist. You can also keep your look on trend by adding fashionable accessories. Here are our favourite 4 modern classic pieces.

Sheath Dresses - the sheath dress is a style which has been made popular by Victoria Beckham. It is simple but very stylish and suitable for an range of different occasions.

The Wide Legged Trousers - these are such a flattering cut of trousers, they will never go out of fashion. Whilst peg legged, skinny and harem trousers have come and gone out of fashion wide legged trousers have remained a firm favourite with so mnay stylish women.

The Classic Blazer - you really  can’t go wrong with a classic cut blazer. It is one of the most stylish and flattering pieces of clothing that you can own. Wear with jeans for a casual look or tailored trousers for work. You can even wear with a little dress for the evening.

Floral Shift Dresses - bright florals, romantic florals and ditsy florals all come back into fashion year after year. Pick yourself a simple shift dress for the most timeless style.

Classic clothing is also great for swapping, buying and selling second hand.

Which classic pieces do you love?

With clothing design both fashion and function come together. In recent years there has also been a focus on sustainability in the fashion industry which goes way beyond just using organic cotton fabric instead of conventional cotton or manmade fabrics. Sustainable design is the term that is used to describe the philosophy of designing objects to comply with the principles of ecological, social and economic sustainability.

Whilst in some ways fashion contradicts sustainability because the very nature of following constantly changing trends and fashions can be wasteful and also create much waste, there are some ways that fashion and sustainability can go together. Designers are implementing exciting new initiatives to help reduce the impact of clothing on the environment whilst still making it beautiful to look at and functional to wear.

The most innovative designs turn the sustainable features of a piece of clothing into the very thing that makes it desirable, fashionable or stylish. An example of this is the beautiful fabrics that are recycled into new pieces of clothing. It is the vintage nature of the fabrics that make the clothing so beautiful. Recently Christopher Raeburn has used surplus military parachute silk to make very on trend pieces of clothing. There are also various designers pioneering methods to reduce waste in the fashion industry including innovative new pattern cutting techniques which give the garment a characteristic look.

The use of sustainable fabrics is also a key part of sustainable fashion design. There are a number of different sustainable fabrics to choose from each having its own unique look, feel and properties. Bamboo is super soft, warm and comfortable and has been likened to cashmere that drapes like silk; it is perfect for leisure wear and also for draping. Designers are also constantly coming up with new materials that look great and are also good for the environment. Innovative dying techniques and use of natural coloured fabrics have also been used to create beautiful designs.

Sustainability is not just about what the clothing is made of though. It is about the overall and lifecycle of the product. How long will it last and when it reaches the end of its life can it be easily disposed of?

Biodegradable materials are key to reducing waste in the fashion industry but there are also more interesting projects happening for example where shoes can be deconstructed at the end of their useful life and some parts recycled. Any clothing, shoes or accessories can be made more sustainable by designing them to last and for maximum usage. This can include classic and versatile styles that won’t go out of fashion quickly and multitasking pieces of clothing that can be worn in a number of different ways.

Sustainable design is not just about one factor or aspect of clothing that reduces the impact of a piece of clothing on the environment. It is about designing a piece of clothing that takes into account all aspects of the garment from design to sourcing of materials to sale of the product and beyond. In order to be truly sustainable designers also need to take into account social and economic factors.  By embracing this philosophy whilst still ensuring beauty and functionality of the clothing, designers are helping to make the fashion industry more sustainable.

This article was written by Ceri Heathcote.

Ceri is a fashion writer with a particular interest in ethical and eco fashion. She enjoys writing about a variety of topics from vegan shoes and natural footwear to sustainable accessories.

Image- shoe by Po-zu shoes

The snow has arrived leaving many of us completely unprepared. For the artic like conditions that we are experiencing in the UK at the moment, the most practical type of footwear has to be warm boots with a good grip. In deep snow taller styles of boot are a good choice. For some it is also important no matter what the weather that they have a minimal impact on the environment.

The eco brand El Naturalista at Spartoo make the perfect eco friendly shoes for winter and keeping warm in the snow. All of the designs are concieved with the greatest respect for the environment using materials like vegetable tanned leather and natural rubber. They also have practical and comfortable soles (these boots were made for walking!).

Organico Fimi

This boot has a sheepskin lining and attractive lacing detail. It is also gathered at the top to keep your feet extra warm.

Inuit Fogh

This traditional style of laced up boot is inpired by the Inuit and so perfect for the colder weather.

Nido Trambu

For a more versatile style of boot that will work for more than just snow and cold weather.

Looking stylish in the snow can be a difficult task. But a great pair of boots to tuck your trousers in to can help you to look incredibly stylish. They will also help to stop you slipping over on the ice (not a stylish look)

Christmas is such a happy time of year when we get time off work and time to spend with friends. The chances are that you will also recieve a fair few presents and possibly some that you are never going to wear or use. When it comes to clothes, it ca be very difficult to buy for some one else and wrong sizes and inappropriate styles are just two of the problems that you may encounter.

There is an element of guilt involved in not liking or wearing a piece of clothing that some one has given you as gift which often results in them being stored in the wardrobe for a few years before being thrown out or donated to charity. If a piece of clothing that has been given to you doesn’t fit, it is always worth checking to see if the reciept has been kept allowing for an exchange. Another idea is to swap it or sell it on Posh-swaps.com. That way you don’t really lose out, you get a great piece of clothing in exchange and if anyone asks you can just say you swapped it because it didn’t fit.

Set up an account today and list your unwanted Christmas presents (clothes and accessories only) for free on Posh-swaps.com now.

Image- Pussycat Bow Blouse

If you have made the decision to live a more sustainable lifestyle and to only buy products that are considered ethical then new fashion is likely to be something that will have though about. There is plenty of evidence of practices in the fashion industry that are damaging to both the environment and people involved but what is ethical fashion and what do we need to consider when shopping for ethical fashion?

Ethical and sustainable fashion is a term that can be used to describe any clothing that is produced and distributed in a way that is more ethical than conventional clothing. This can include any or all of the following:- organic or sustainable fabrics, made in an ethical factory, Fairtrade, a proportion of the companies profits donated to charity, made by co operatives, made from recycled materials. As the term ‘ethical fashion’ encompasses so many different aspects, it can sometimes be difficult to work out exactly what is ethical.

1.       Environmental Impact

If you want to minimise the impact that your clothing has on the environment, you can do so buy buying second hand or clothes made from organic or sustainable fibres. The cultivation of conventional cotton uses a large amount of pesticides which are both damaging to the environment and can contaminate water supplies. The growth of cotton using pesticides is also not sustainable and farmers become trapped in a cycle of using more and more pesticides to combat the resistance that the pests develop. Other environmental considerations when buying clothes are the carbon footprint or amount of CO2 emissions associated with their production and whether they are made from natural fibres and so biodegradable after their natural life. You could also look for ethical shoes as the process of tanning leather is also damaging to the environment.

2.       A Fair Deal For Everyone

Buying ethical fashion is partly about ensuring that everyone in the supply chain gets fair remuneration. This is particularly important for the growers of cotton and the most well known and established scheme for ensuring this is Fairtrade. There are also a number of other schemes and co operatives that ensure that those involved in the manufacture of clothing get a fair deal.

Buying quality clothes to last is not only the most sustainable way to shop but also allows you to pay a reasonable price for  a piece of clothing which can then be passed on to those in the supply chain.

3.       Manufacture

The factories that clothing is manufactured in are often dirty, dangerous and uncomfortable for workers. Some employ child labour, some treat their staff very badly not allowing them basic human rights and some pay less than a living wage. In particular leather tanning uses some very toxic chemicals that can be damaging to the workers as can the glue used to make shoes. Often ethical shies are made using vegetable tanned leather or other natural materials. Some companies provide information on the standards in the factories where their clothes are produced so that you can be sure that staff are treated ethically.

4.       Overall ethical policies of a company

Whilst some companies may sell clothing that is ethical in one way or another, for some people this is not enough. It is worth considering whether you want to buy ethical fashion from a company, which makes the majority of its money selling non ethical goods.  Many companies will have strict ethical policies covering all areas of their business and may even include donating a proportion of their turnover to charity.

5.       Watch out for green washing

Green washing is the term used to describe unsubstantiated claims about eco or ethical credentials of their products, by companies for the purpose of marketing. The only way to avoid green wash is to look for further information. Some time the labels or packaging on ethical shoes or clothing will give further information. If not the website is a good place to look. Look for standards and certifications which prove their claims and the companies overall ethical policy.

When shopping for ethical fashion, you need to decide what is important to you. The type of ethical shoes or clothing that you buy will very much depend on what you are looking to achieve. By buying Fairtrade, you can ensure that your purchase in benefiting people in another country, by buying clothes manufactured locally, you are helping the local economy and it is easier to check that staff in the factories are treated well. Which ever type of ethical clothing, you choose to buy; any small steps that you can take will have some benefit.

For the first time Po-Zu’s entire Autumn-Winter shoe collection is online. The collection of natural and ethically produced footwear with a topsy-turvy theme is displayed on http://www.po-zu.com/

Warm in even the coldest weather, Po-Zu winter shoes are also breathable. This is achieved by lining them with bio-based materials, which are naturally thermal, such as unbleached and undyed pure felt wool and vegetable tanned sheepskin. This season Po-Zu also treats tweed, felt and sheepskin shoes with an eco-friendly water-resistant coating. Waxed suede shoes are treated with coconut shoe cream to improve water resistance.

The women’s Piper boot is a new, taller version of the old favourite style Pep. With lacing at the back, the shaft become fully adjustable to provide a snug, perfect fit. The vegetarian Joy and Yew styles now come in elegant mixed-colour tweeds with fine blotched-pattern.

As for the men’s range, there is a new Chelsea boot called Che,that has a unique elasticated gusset moulded in natural latex, embossed with the repeat pattern of the Po-Zu butterfly. It’s a refreshing alternative to the typical synthetic woven elastic and is also longer lasting. Technically speaking, the entire range comes with the Butterfly Suspension Mechanism at the heel; it softens the impact as the foot hits the ground. Sandwiched between the sole and the inner-sock lies Po-Zu’s unique coconut fiber ‘foot-mattress’. This dream mattress gradually moulds to the shape of your feet, making them feel incredibly rested.

Po-Zu was launched in 2006 with the aim of setting new standards in ecological and ethical

footwear manufacturing. Its shoes are made from carefully selected natural materials that are healthy for your feet, safe for all the workers throughout the supply chain, and kind to the environment.

By stitching all the components together, Po-Zu avoids harmful glues, making its shoes more breathable, durable, repairable and recyclable.

The brand’s other prime purpose is to provide maximum comfort. The experience of walking or even standing in Po-Zu shoes is absolute pleasure. Thanks to its unique ‘foot-mattress’ feet feel incredibly rested. The coir ‘foot-mattress’ also provides great air circulation to keep feet dry, and good insulation from both hot and cold climates. Po-Zu’s original shoebox was nominated for the UK Green Awards 2006, for best packaging.

The biodegradable coconut box can be used as trays to grow seeds. As the plant grows, the entire packaging can be planted into the ground where it eventually decomposes into the earth.

Following its commitment to produce products that are as non-toxic as possible, Po-Zu launched in 2007 a shoe cream that is so safe it can be eaten. Apart from treating leather, the Edible Shoe Cream is also an all-in-one beauty product that can be used as a lip balm, skin moisturizer, hair conditioner, massage oil and cooking oil. It can even be spread on toast for a nutritious snack.

Choosing a pair of boots for winter is all about finding a really snug and warm option. If you like keeping up with the latest fashion, you are lucky this year as outdoor wear, alpine sports and shearling linings are all key trends and all really cosy. There are also plenty of ethical choices of outdoor boots made from natural materials and vegetable tanned leather.

Our favourites are from the El Nauralista range at Spartoo. A collection of boots inspired by Inuits who live in artic conditions and know more than most how to keep their feet toasty warm.

Inuit Fogh These boots would look amazing with leggings and a  chunky knit jumper or cape plus an oversized knitted scarf.

Organico Fimi - These boots would look great worn over skinny jeans for a very stylish winter outfit. They have a warm lining and a stylish design made from different pieces of leather sewn togther.

Inuit Koki - Another great pair of boots, this time ankle height which is great for wearing with trousers.

Finding eco friendly footwear can sometimes be tricky. Second hand shoes can be difficult to find in the right size and conventional shoes can be environmentally damaging due to the tanning of leather, synthetic materials and glues used in the manufacture.

For the winter, everybody needs a great pair of boots and we have spotted some amazing eco friendly options at Spartoo.

These CREA grey boots by Airstep are a really individual version of the classic biker boot. They are made using vegetable tanned leather which eliminates the use of environmentally damaging chemicals for tanning the leather. They would look great worn with a pair of skinny jeans.

These Duna Silko boots by Eco brand El Naturalista are also made using vegetable tanned leather. They were designed taking inspiration from the feeling of freedom that rules in the Namibian desert. The heel makes them great for wearing with a smart casual outfit. They look great with trousers or a skirt.

These Organico Fimi boots by El Naturlista are made from by a Scottish artist who takes Mother Nature for his muse. They are made from different pieces of vegetable tanned leather stitched together. They are perfect for wearing with a cosy casual winter outfit.

An eco fashion company from the Isle of Wight is taking on fashion’s last big challenge –making eco fashion cool.

Rapanui use eco-textiles like organic cotton and bamboo, trade and manufacture ethically using renewable energy and host an award winning traceability tool on their website where shoppers can quickly find out exactly how and where their clothing is made. Now that they have established an eco-friendly supply chain the company has turned its attention to the design challenge – turning eco-fashion around from hippy to hip.

Their women’s collection is about creating super soft, flattering basics- eco fashion essentials that are made to last and outlast seasons. From knickers and socks to leggings and great basic t-shirts,

Rapanui have created a collection full of wardrobe essentials made ethically from natural, organic materials – eco clothing that packs a serious style punch.  

Designer Martin Drake-Knight  states “We all know, at the back of our minds, that fast fashion has some quite serious and negative consequences, but it can be hard to find out exactly where clothing comes from and how it is made, and the ranges that clearly are eco-friendly are also clearly not chic. At Rapanui we want to change that, and make it convenient for people to shop quickly, with a conscience. Eco Fashion no longer has to be exclusive or expensive.”

Rob Drake Knight, Co Founder, continues, “The great thing about using eco-fabrics is that they are naturally softer, more breathable and comfy. We’ve also developed initiatives like Traceability and Eco-labelling to make ethical shopping easier on the high street and online.”

The brand says that it’s not that people don’t care about these issues, it’s just they don’t know and suggest that fashions unique power to inspire trends could be used to some good.

Rapanui are winners of the 2010 Sustainable Business Awards, Runners up at the 2010 Enterprising Young Brits Awards and finalists at the 2010 RSPCA Good Business Awards. Rob and Mart Drake-Knight are also listed on the Future 100 List of Top Young Ethical Entrepreneurs.

So take a look at their women’s organic clothing and do your bit for nature.