Do you want to go eco in your wardrobe with a little help from us?

March 26, 2021

This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.

It’s undeniable: sustainability is becoming increasingly important. Did you know we are drowning in clothes? 100 billion+ garments are produced each year from virgin resources; we buy 60% more clothes than 15 years ago, wearing them half as long; and 87% of clothing material is incinerated, consigned to landfills or dumped in the natural environment. (Taken from The Times newspaper). Are you feeling guilty because I am? To add to this, I heard last week that the government might be introducing a fine for unwanted fashion being dumped for landfill. So I have decided to try hard to buy sustainable fashion if I want something new.

I realise that if we want to be an eco-warrior, we might need some help finding eco brands producing sustainable clothes that are also stylish. Since I last wrote about sustainable fashion, there has been an influx of new brands to the market or old brands changing the way they produce their clothes. However, I struggled to find clothing that worked for women over 50. I found plenty of shoes, jewellery, and loungewear, but more formal clothes seemed to be geared towards the 20 and 30 somethings – lots of very loose, floaty dresses that remind me of my pregnancy clothes in the 80s. Oh well, at least if I can top and tail my more tailored clothes with underwear, shoes, jewellery and bags, I shall be doing a lot more for the planet than I have been.

BOODY

BOODY is an Australian brand that makes underwear and everyday essentials out of bamboo organically produced in accordance with Ecocert.

BAUKJEN

Baukjen have just been officially certified B Corp scoring an outstanding rating – highest-scoring fashion B corp in the UK and second highest in Europe. This means that it is a business that balances purpose with profit. It also means that they hold the highest standard of ethics and sustainability. So what better fashion brand to feature in this article, and to be honest, one of my favourite online shops for finding that casual piece that slots into one’s wardrobe so easily.

The best news is we have 15% discount code when you quote ANNABELGRACE15 at the Baukjen checkout (please note this does not apply to sale items, gift vouchers or third party products) For more info on Baukjen and to go to their website click HERE.

BEEN LONDON

BEEN London is a London-based brand turning waste into timeless accessories you’d want to use every day. All their products are made of materials that have been something else in a previous life, including recycled leather offcuts and plastic bottles. What I love about these bags is that the styles are timeless and they have lots of pockets.

LAVENDER HILL CLOTHING

Lavender Hill Clothing only work with the UK and European businesses that pay fairly. Their factory is run by a mother-daughter team employing 70 women. Its core fabric is natural and biodegradable, and made with non-toxic dyes in a CO neutral environment. This a seriously green company. I love their scoop neck tee-shirts (£45). They produce so many beautifully crafted staples for every-day and everywhere.

For more info click HERE.

ESSĒN

Essēn the Label aims to make timeless, sophisticated shoes that are accessible for all. A collection of wardrobe staples that never fall out of style and can be carried over from season to season. Their styles are classic with a contemporary twist. New styles are produced through a pre-order model. That means they research what new styles and colours to invest in and produce only what they sell. It allows them to minimise waste and over-production and to use their resources smarter. This means lower production costs per pair so that the price can stay smart too. 

The sizes run from 35 – 42, the prices are quoted in Euros, but they do ship to the UK.

OTIUMBERG

One of my nieces turned 21 years old this week, and I found a gorgeous gift for her from this jewellery website. Otiumberg is a family run business and specialises in timeless designs. From their design ethos and material selection to their non-seasonal and made to order production, they are committed to a more circular approach using the most responsible materials they can find. Their precious raw metals are from 100% recycled sources.

GOOD NEWS

Good News trainers have recycled rubber soles, and organic cotton uppers and their styles are more retro than flashy. Some great new colours for the Spring are not yet in but add your name to the email box to be notified when available.

MANEBI

Manebí espadrilles are handmade using century-old techniques, which make each pair different and unique. Their espadrilles have a Spanish soul as expert craftsmen make them in la Rioja and an Italian touch as they are designed in Milan.

HUSH

HUSH is working hard to make their whole brand sustainable. They aim to embed sustainability into everything they do at every stage of the product journey – through design and fabric sourcing to manufacture and delivery to their customers. They are not about fast fashion; they’re about high-quality and versatile pieces that last, that are both good value and sustainable through use. Today I received their brochure printed on paper from responsible sources, and whilst a small collection, I spotted a couple of items that I liked.

BEAUMONT ORGANIC

Beaumont Organic is a luxurious, ethical womenswear and accessories line that paves the way for a more sustainable future from their local British headquarters in Manchester. They use all GOTS certified organic cotton, non-mulesing and recycled wools and off cut fabrics. They only work with factories in the EU which pay fair wages and provide good working conditions for their staff.

To read about another sustainable brand, Fifth Origins, that we have featured, click HERE. And there is a fantastic offer to win one of their beautiful capes as worn by me in this photo. Don’t miss out.

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