A Conscious Christmas Lookbook: Local And Made With Love

I feel beyond lucky to be part of the ethical blogger/vlogger community here in the UK. We’re not the biggest bunch, but each person I’ve met here cares so deeply for supporting eco and ethical consumption. The nature of our jobs can keep us somewhat separate, tucked away in our homes diligently researching, exploring and creating in our best efforts to keep you informed on everything we find that may help people live their life with a more meaningful impact. But this year, we did something different. In a move that I think may be the first of its kind, a bunch of us got together to create some mega-collaborative content for the holidays. We wanted to support local, sustainable businesses in the UK, so why not bring together brands and bloggers from across the UK all at once? We don’t believe in competition in our community, (we like each other too much for a start) so we decided to join forces, bringing together our resources and ideas to create a sustainable sisterhood; enabling us to talk about brands we believe are making a difference, whilst also getting the chance to work together.

Below are the results of that collaboration, we had a ridiculously fun time together shooting in London. Just having us all in the same place resulted in the kind of jokes, love and laughter that encompass what I believe the holidays should be about. Our outfits were sourced from our favourite UK brands, all of whom believe in creating in the most ethical, eco-friendly ways possible. You’ll find more information on them below, as well as some super handy discount codes. I hope you enjoy!

WHO’S WHO

BLOGGER BABES:

Holly from Leotie Lovely, Kate from Ecoboost, Jen from Sustainable Edit, Karen from N4 Mummy, Katie from Saiint Sisters, Nataly from Literally Nataly, Jella from Jella Jornales & myself

BRANDS:

THOUGHT CLOTHING

Thought clothing, as the name suggests, is a collection of ethical, sustainable thoughtfully made items for women and men. They use naturally grown bamboo, cotton, wool, tencel, modal and hemp, all sourced responsibly and free of pesticides and harmful chemicals. Their designs take inspiration from nature, and in turn somehow feel both effortless to wear and diverse enough to transcend the seasons.

ALLY BEE

Ally Bee specialises in knitwear with a clear cradle-to-cradle story in mind. Each collection is produced with a set of environmental standards that go beyond mere compliance, constantly questioning the status quo for ethical and sustainable production. Ally Bee seeks out natural fibres and produces ethically from farmer to shop floor, choosing high-quality fibre cashmere, alpaca and wool yarns produced to high standards of land management whilst also ensuring and protecting animal welfare. Her creations, if cared for properly, are intended to last for a lifetime, and are specifically created to live well beyond a season.

GUNG HO DESIGN

Founded in 2016, Gung Ho Design combines a whimsical aesthetic with designs that are versatile, high quality, and filled with deeper meaning and purpose. Each print is designed by hand by founder Sophie Dunster; created to be both beautiful and to connect people with environmental issues through the designs themselves, and with each purchase Gung Ho donates to a corresponding charity working with this cause. Each piece is made from organic cotton which is hand printed in the UK using responsible dyes, whilst the final collection is handmade in London. The garments are also wrap designs, meaning that only two sizes need to be made, XS/S and M/L. Not only does this mean the clothes can fit any body type, and adjust alongside our bodies as we change through the years, but it also reduces waste caused by creating garments in many size variations.

CELTIC & CO

Founded 26 years ago by husband and wife team Nick and Kath Whitworth, Celtic & Co is best known for their 100% premium quality British sheepskin footwear, made by hand in their own purpose built factory in Cornwall by skilled craftspeople. Unlike other sheepskin boots which are designed to be thrown away, Celtic & Co offer a resole and repair service so you can keep your tootsies cosy for years to come without adding to the landfill.

Using hides that would otherwise go to waste, Celtic & Co invest time in creating quality yet affordable pieces that are designed to last and buck the current, destructive trend of disposable fashion. Every Celtic & Co piece is made from carefully chosen, ethically sourced, natural and organic materials, the majority of which is produced in the UK.

Use code UNICORN10 for 10% discount and free delivery

(Valid until the 21st of December 2017 only on full price items)

PO-ZU

Po-Zu has made it their goal to challenge the trend of cheap, mass-produced footwear, instead creating beautiful sustainable, ethically made alternatives using eco-friendly materials such as GOTS certified organic cotton, British wool, coir, natural latex and pinatex. Each pair also contains their unique natural foot mattress which gently adapts to fit feet perfectly.

All Po-Zu shoes are made in a small factory in Guimaraes, Portugal, employing 70 locals who are paid a fair wage and work in a safe, non-toxic environment free from harmful glues and solvents. Fabric off-cuts, waste and water are nearly all recycled too! On top of this, Po-Zu pledge 10% of their net profit to three environmental charities: Pesticide Action Network, Environmental Justice Foundation and The Resurgence Trust, and proudly carries the Butterfly Mark for their commitment to renewable sources of energy, protecting the environment, recycling and manufacturing locally.

 

ETHICAL COLLECTION

Ethical Collection is a London based eco-luxury boutique, bringing together the finest, most unique sustainable products from artisans around the globe in one curated conscious collection. Their collection focuses on exceptional quality, diversity and vibrancy whilst always keeping people and the planet at the forefront of how they operate. Each piece they sell comes with both style and a story; encouraging mindfulness and connection with not only the products we buy, but with who made them and how.

ONE NINE EIGHT FIVE

Established in 2016 by designer Eleanor Nadimi, One Nine Eight Five is a British homeware brand that specialises in print and interior textiles whilst simultaneously supporting British production, craftsmanship and sustainable processes. Using ethically sourced materials wherever possible they celebrate the talent of British craftspeople and UK manufacturing; each piece is designed and made in the UK by people who take great pride in their work creating high-quality, unique products.

THE FUTURE KEPT

The Future Kept stocks a range of beautifully designed, high-quality and meticulously chosen homeware and gifts. Owners Jeska and Dean Hearne have carefully curated items from independent designers, makers and artisans who produce products that are better for our world. They sell quality goods designed to be used in our day-to-day lives, and everything is designed to last. Moving away from the throwaway nature of modern life, The Future Kept is a place to source family heirlooms of the future. Jeska and Dean aim to inspire a curiosity and desire within customers to make more sustainable and ethical choices.

Use code ETHICAL10 for 10% off until 30th November 2017

THREAD TALES CO.

Thread Tales Co. is an eco-friendly luxury brand that create iconic products made from materials with soul and sustainability, at the same time celebrating traditional and cultural manufacturing techniques. They work with artisans in Myanmar and Nepal to create hand-made scarves from natural fibres using eco-friendly dyes. Lotus, the brand’s signature fabric, is an exceptionally rare, luxurious, breathable, and warm fabric that has water resistant properties. Thread Tales Co. supports artisan skills and empowers weavers, allowing them good working conditions and the ability to work from home whilst supporting their families. Their elegant and timeless designs are a wardrobe staple for anyone who wants a scarf they can cherish for years.

BBOHEME

Amongst the originators of UK based Ethical and Sustainable fashion, Bourgeois Boheme has set its foundations to be more than just another vegan shoe brand. BB’s founder, Alicia, is an ex-podiatrist and has used her foot care experience to create stylish footwear that transcends beyond trends and seasons. Her entire collection is Vegan Society trademarked and PETA approved, created ethically using eco-friendly and vegan materials.

P.i.C STYLE

Short for Partners in Crime, P.i.C Style was founded by friends Rhoda and Sara, and born out of the obsession to “do fashion the right way.” The concept is simple: 8 items = 50+ outfits, the perfect capsule wardrobe, with each item is cleverly designed to be effortlessly multifunctional, for example a jumpsuit turns into a pair of culottes and a top can be worn forwards or backwards. They’ve kept their supply chain small and all fabrics are organic and locally sourced.

FLOCK BY NATURE

Flock By Nature is an ethical luxury knitwear brand with a focus on comfort and elegance. They love working with natural fibres and are strong believers in their contribution to wellbeing and comfort. They also believe that natural fibres provide a certain quality and longevity that synthetic fibres cannot. They work with the highest quality Italian and British Merino wool and produce their garments in small quantities in both Italy and the UK, where labour rights are strong and enforced. 10% of the profits from each sale goes to the Flock Fund, which donates to the charities Useen, Trees for Cities, and Lend with Care. Flock By Nature knits are designed for years of enjoyment with the hope that costumers wear their pieces over and over again. To ensure that they also offer a complimentary repair service for any minor damage that may befall the garment.

Use code flockonholiday for 15% discount 

(valid until 17th December)

WHAT WE’RE WEARING

ME
Outfit 1 – skirt: Thought Clothing Beatrice Velvet Skirt, t-shirt: my own, cardigan: Celtic & Co Organic Cotton Cocoon Cardi, hat: Thought Clothing Dariya Beanie, scarf: Ally Bee Snood Cream Chunky Knit Scarf, shoes: Po-zu Ello C Natural Gold, clutch: X
Outfit 2 – skirt: Gung Ho Design Bee Wrap Skirt, top: P.i.C Style (not currently online), coat: Celtic & Co Felted Wool Coatigan, shoes: secondhand 

HOLLY
Outfit 1 – sweater: Ally Bee Fireside Jumper, jeans: secondhand, coat: Celtic & Co Reversible Sheepskin Teddy Coat, scarf: Celtic & Co Dybridge Tartan Scarf, shoes: Po-Zu Sneak L Off White Gold Sneakers
Outfit 2 – sweater: Ally Bee Handknit Red Crop Chevron Sweater, jeans: vintage, shoes: Po-Zu wren black pinatex wedges, scarf: A Peace Treaty Pure Silk Arash Scarf Black, clutch: One Nine Eight Five Zip Pouch Black

KATE
Outfit 1 – sweater: Ally Bee Hand-Knitted Crop Chevron Sweater – superfine merino, Blue Navy, skirt: P.i.C London Mini, shoes: Po-Zu Resistance Silver Limited Edition, bag: The Future Kept Roam Camera Bag Oak Leather, hat: secondhand
Outfit 2 – jumpsuit: Uzma Bozai Cotton Haddy Jumpsuit Blue from Ethical Collection, shoes: Kate’s own

JEN
Outfit 1 – sweater: Ally Bee Handknit Crop Chevron Sweater in Red , trousers: P.i.C Style Dalston Peg Trousers , shoes: Po-Zu Black and Gold Sneakers, hat: Ally Bee Fireside Beanie, bag: One Nine Eight Five Zip Black Pouch 
Outfit 2 – top: P.i.C De Beau Cami, skirt: Gung Ho Design Beetle Wrap Skirt , boots: Bourgeois Boheme Ana Ecostone Boots

NATALY
Outfit 1 – cardigan: Flock By Nature Kate Merino Cardigan, scarf: Thread Tales Co Red Herringbone Wide Scarf, beanie: Celtic & Co Light Grey Cashmere Pompom Beanie, shoes: Po-Zu Sneak with Natural Cork, bag: Ethical Collection Paper Thinks Ivory Top-Handle Bag, denim: Nataly’s own
Outfit 2 – dress: Thought Thought Clothing Harriet Organic Hemp Check Dress, coat: Celtic & Co Reversible Curly Coat in Ivory, shoes: BBoheme Kate Ecostone Heels, bag: One Nine Eight Five Zip Pouch Black Large

KAREN
Outfit 1 – sweater: Ally Bee Fireside Jumper, trousers: Thought Clothing Carolee Model Flared Trousers, scarf: Ethical Collection Colour Blocked Jacquard Scarf Multi, shoes: BBoheme Annie Pinatex, bag: Ethical Collection Cuero & Mor Natural Leather Tote
Outfit 2 – jumpsuit: P.i.C Style Hackney jumpsuit, top: P.i.C Style (not currently online), coat: Celtic & Co Reversible Sheepskin Teddy Coat, bag: One Nine Eight Five Zip Pouch Ochre Large, shoes: Karen’s own

JELLA
Outfit 1 – sweater: Ally Bee Poncho Jumper, trousers: Ethical Collection Uzma Bozai Mo Culottes Black, shoes: Black & Gold Sneakers, scarf: Thought Clothing Elford Striped Organic Wool Scarf
Outfit 2 -top: Gung Ho Design Tiger Moth Blouse, skirt: P.i.C Style London Mini, tights: Thought Clothing Charlotte Plain Bamboo Organic Tights, shoes: Jella’s own

Photos were taken by Fair Photo Agency photographer Shane Woodward, Mark Arnell, and Andreas Björklund.

This postwas sponsored by multiple brands, each of which we personally selected and approached for this collaborative post. The story, including all content, experiences, suggestions and opinions, are shared by myself and my collaborators. We borrowed and returned every item seen in this post.