Posh Swaps Blog

Ethical fashion is one of those terms that seems to be bandied about all over the place but there doesn’t really seem to be any clear definition of what it is. The easiest way to discover it and see what you like and don’t like about it is to check out some of the amazing brands out there. Check out Style Eyes Ethical Fashion Blog for some great examples of ethical fashion.

I guess the reason the term ‘ethical fashion’ is so difficult to define is that ethics are very different for different people. For some ethical fashion is about environmental sustainability and preserving the environment for future generations, for others it is about ensuring that people working in the fashion industry are treated fairly and with respect and trying to use fashion it to alleviate poverty. It can also include treating animals with respect or vegan fashion that does not inlcude any animal products at all. Finally some also consider buying locally produced fashion the best option in terms of ethics as it cuts down on transportation , is easier to ensure fair treatment of workers and it supports the local economy.

Most people will look for a combination of the above when shopping ethically for clothing. Anything that encourages less consumption, better treatment people, animals and the environment, more sustainability and recycling, even in a small way, has to be a positive choice.

The variety and choice or ethical clothing is increasing all of the time and you know longer have to resign to looking boring, frumpy or hippyish if you want to dress ethically. Here are just a few ways that you can make your fashion more ethical.

Sustainable fashion

Generally sustainable fashion starts with the use of some sort of  sustainable material. This can include organic cotton, hemp, bamboo or Tencel, all of which are considered more sustainable choices than conventional cotton which is grown using lots of pesticides. There are also know innovative fabrics which use reclaimed materials including plastic bottles to make clothes. Recycling or upcycling is definitely on the  up in fashion. The process of making something new from something old, be it a vintage or second hand piece or factory offcuts, seems to stimulate some amazing creativity.

Fairtrade Fashion

Fairtrade is used to describe products that have been fairly traded with farmers in developing countries. There are now a growing number of fashion companies pioneering and developing their own Fairtrade programmes which not only make use of Fairtrade cotton but also local and traditional, artisan skills such as weaving, embroidery and beading. These schemes allow workers and communities to benefit from the profits made by the clothing. There are also a number of certifications that can be held by the factories which ensure fair treatment of workers.

Vintage and second hand fashion

One of the most sustainable ways of shopping has to be shopping for vintage and second hand clothing which has virtually no carbon footprint. There is a growing movement of people who buy there clothes in this way and look amazingly stylish on it.

When deciding which ethical fashion to buy, greenwashing can be a problem. There are many companies who call themselves ethical but with little in the way of ethical credentials. The easiest way to ensure that you are shopping ethically is to look for companies who have strong ethics and practice sustainability in everything that they do.

Some ethical fashion brands also support charities by donating a percentage of their profits or turnover each month.

Image - organic cotton dress by Jackpot on Fashion Conscience.

Style Eyes Ethical Fashion Blog is celebrating its fourth anniversary with an exciting competition for fashion bloggers. The competition has prizes worth over £300 including £100 vouchers to spend at Spartoo shoes, a £50 voucher for People Tree and a pair of handmade earrings.

The aim of the competition is to get fashion bloggers thinking about ethical fashion by creating an outfit that contains at least one piece of ethical fashion including vintage, charity shop and upcycled clothing and accessories. It is open to all UK Fashion Bloggers with a Twitter account and the closing date is 28th November. You can find out more about the prizes and how to enter over at Style Eyes Ethical Fashion Blog.

Ceri Heathcote of Style Eyes Ethical Fashion Blog has also just created a new group called Ethical Fashion Bloggers, that will provide a platform for bloggers to network with other bloggers that have an interest in ethical fashion, promote  their blogs and work with ethical brands. It is not just for those that only blog about ethical fashion, it is for anyone with an interest. Bloggers can find out more and join the group here. Ethical Fashion Brands can keep up with what the group is doing by signing up to their newsletter here.

Havaianas women’s sandals have stood for style, comfort, affordable luxury, and positive energy for over 45 years. Inspired by the traditional Japanese sandal with fabric straps and rice-straw soles, Havaianas is known for their eye-catching sandals since 1962, with their signature logo-emblazoned thin strap and foot-beds with a textured rice pattern.

Featured styles include our slim line of women’s sandals for the ladies whose feet run just a bit more petite, and our Conservation International Line, which donates 7% of sales of these nature-patterned flip flops to social environmental projects in the Brazilian shoreline. The Havaianas Bridal Collection of women’s sandals in delicate pastels and jeweled straps. And whether we’re offering fun options like glow-in-the-dark flip flops, metallic burnishings or the chance to customize your own pair of women’s sandals, you’re sure to feel at home in any pair you choose.

You’ll also feel comforted knowing that Havaianas is doing their part to help conserve the environment, with their support of Conservation International and The Institute for International Research, a non-government organization in Brazil dedicated to promoting science, education and sustainable business. And Havaianas employs environmental sustainability methods, such as electricity and water consumption, residue recycling and environmental conservation training for employees right in their own factory.

Havaianas are always in season. Visit us.havaianas.com to get started on finding the perfect pair today.

Pikolinos is one of my favourite ethical shoe brands. I can definitely vouch for the quality and amazing comfort of the shoes but they are also manufactured with respect for the planet. The shoes are made in Spain using natural materials with interesting details like stitching. The majority of Pikolinos shoes are manufactured using vegetable tanned leather, water-based dyes and solvent free glues which considerably reduce any environmental impact. The company also supports a variety of different social cuase through the Juan Peran Foundation.

For autumn and winter this year, I am loving the tower heel hiking boots, practical court shoes and casual knee high boots. These shoes and boots combine practicality with style and are versatile enough to go with a range of different winter outfits.

Pikolinos - Brujas Rico - Chocolate

A great choice for every day wear. These boots would look good with any skirt or dress and tights.

Pikolinos Tolouse Grey Court Shoes

For the office, it can be difficult to find a pair of hardwearing and practical shoes that look great with a suit. These are perfect and versatile enough to go with trousers or skirts.

Pikolinos - Izmir Tajo Boots

If you like to keep up with the latest fashion, these heeled hiking boots are just what you need. Wear with chunky socks for trendy and toasty feet all winter.

Pikolionos Izmir Kihu Boots

Finally I love the cosy faux fur trim and double buckles on these boots. You couldn’t get much cosier toes.

Style Eyes Fashion Blog is the latest in a number of designers, celebrities and fashion bloggers to switch their focus to green and ethical fashion. The blog has also changed its name to Style Eyes Ethical Fashion Blog can now be found at www.ethicalfashionblog.com.
Ceri Heathcote, founder of Style Eyes Ethical Fashion Blog, made the change after realising that there was more to looking stylish than constantly buying cheap bad quality fast fashion. She discovered that it is possible to combine a love of fashion with charity shop, second hand, vintage and ethical clothing. She has also joined the army of fashionistas who are getting creative to refashion and upcycle old clothes for a unique and sustainable alternative to shopping on the high street and sharing their creations through online social networks.
Ceri says “How could I enjoy wearing and writing about clothes that had been made at the expense of both people and the planet? Blogging about second hand and ethical fashion is the perfect way to indulge my love of clothes without any guilt and hopefully inspire others to get involved too.”

Future plans for the Style Eyes Ethical Fashion Blog include a monthly new letter with ethical fashion news, tips and offers, plus affordable ethical fashion and vintage clothing guides.

For further information
www.ethicalfashionblog.com
Email: ceri@heathcotecommunications.co.uk

We are now moving away from summer and into the colder, wetter and windier weather of autumn  and winter. Time to pack away the flip flops and sandals and treat your feet to something a little more sturdy but that doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on style (or your ethics). There are plenty of beautiful shoes for autumn and winter that have been made with respect for the environment including boots for daytime wear and more dressy shoes for evenings out to take you right through to  the festive season. Here are just a few of out picks.

All of these shoes are by Dream in Green, an eco brand that used vegetable tanned leather and recycled materials. They are also manufactured in Europe and made with strong eco principles. I love the practical wedge heels and the details like the cute collar on the first ones.

These on trend boots are all from the eco brand Pikolinos which is know for making high quality comfortable shoes. Again they use eco friendly materials like vegetable tanned leather.

Finally, if you are addicted to cosy ugg boots in the winter, Po-zu make a great eco friendly version that have a unique coconut foot mattress making them super comfortable.

If you spend all day on your feet or walk a long way, comfort is likely to be pretty high on your priority list when it comes to choosing shoes.

Po-Zu shoes have also put a very high priority on your comfort when designing shoes, along with caring for the environment and ethical manufacture. As if this wasn’t already the makings of a great shoe, they have also added in a healthy dose of quirky style. These shoes are perfect for those who want to stand (comfortably) apart from the crowd and make a statement with their shoes. 

The styles are also smart, feminine and versatile so you can be sure to get plenty of wear  out of them. Po-Zu shoes are made from completely natural materials and have an amazing foot mattress made from coconut fibres which moulds to the bottom of your feet.

These beautifully made Hop sandals are not only perfect for the end of this summer, but will last for many summers to come. When you no longer want them, you can bury them in the ground to biodegrade.

For the autumn and winter you can keep your feet super warm and comfy in these Pep sheepskin boots.

These Lola shoes are perfect for everyday wear- they go with everything. We love the cork detail.

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