Eco-Outfit: Lady in Pink at the Coterie Bloggers Brunch
I recently attended a blogger’s brunch for the preview of Coterie.com, a new curated beauty site where content and commerce merge in the most delightful way. They were so sweet to gift us a few samples of what we can find on the site, and I was so pleased to see that they included some eco-beauty goodies! Keep your eye out for their official launch in September- I think they are going to become an asset to the beauty conscious modern woman, and hopefully I can get in there and curate an eco-friendly selection. 
{Outfit Details: dress,c/o AMOUR VERT, similar to this one, peace silk and made in USA; sunglasses, c/o Gucci, bio-plastic; necklace, passed down from my Auntie Holly}
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Nourishing Body Oil from Anjolie Ayurveda
Mother and daughter team Cary and Meryl were tired of not finding body products that would not irritate their sensitive skin, so they decided to create their own line. And while they were at the helm, they figured why not make their products pure and healing? The result is a clean line of body and hair care products that also carry the benefits of ancient ayureveda science called Anjolie Ayurveda. The body and hair oil range is our pick of the lot!
TweetDesigner Insider: Meiling Chen
Love and care are at the heart of of Meiling Chen’s eponymous label; fashion is a means of artistic and personal expression. At an early age Meiling developed an appreciation for innovation and craftsmanship, and she continues this ethic from her NYC studio. Thoughtful designs, ranging from the bold and sculptural to the romantic and diaphanous, combined with an expert command of sustainable dyes and fabrics, continues to set her collections apart. I was able to meet up with Meiling while she was in London for a proper introduction to her visionary label.
What has led you to this point?
I have always been interested in clothing design. When I was younger, in Taiwan, my father worked as a tailor and I have always been inspired by his work in menswear. I am now based out of NYC and design for women that care about the quality and life of their garments. Each piece is true to my imagination and aesthetic.
How did you become interested in sustainable fashion?
All my life I have been into natural things. Over the years this preference has evolved; it was a logical progression to prefer materials that do not include hazardous chemicals.
How have you introduced sustainability into your label?
For me sustainability is really a matter of balance. Everything in life has two sides, and all clothing has both positive and negative impacts. I focus on being responsible and careful, measuring the balance, and going forward in the most beneficial way possible – assessing each step. All the dyes are plant-based or low impact, and some pieces I hand dye. Reducing waste is also important; I try to combine natural/organic materials with recycled textiles. By recycled I mean things found at markets, and pieces from my wardrobe or donated by friends. I reduce waste through efficient pattern cutting and using off-cuts to make accessories, bags, or stuffed animals.
How do you find the sustainable textile market?
A few years ago I could only find organic cotton or hemp in plain creamy colours, nothing much else was out there. I had to be very creative to make interesting clothing, and it remains a challenge for ethical designers today. Although there is more choice, availability is still very limited. In the future I imagine there will be a greater variety of textiles and prints, allowing designers to make more dynamic pieces. Over the years, prices of sustainable textiles have decreased and this may continue, making sustainable fabrics more affordable. I hope that textile companies will focus on improving the diversity and price of their sustainable offerings.
How can the public do their part for sustainability?
People need to consume more carefully by thinking about if you truly need the garment, how long you will use it, and the life of the piece after you are done with it. Altering or passing garments onto others are fantastic ways of improving your wardrobe’s sustainability.
Your favourite food?
Home made and hand made cooking. It always tastes better because it is made with love and care.
Keeping it Capsule: Keys to Creating a Sustainable Wardrobe
The capsule wardrobe has long been a favourite with fashionistas everywhere, but it is a techniques which can prove especially useful for fashion fans who are keen to keep it green.
Putting together a capsule wardrobe is the practice of choosing select style items which can not only be worn in different combinations to create a range of different looks, but also tend to be more classic in style. That’s not to say that building a capsule wardrobe means missing out on every passing trend – it simply required a little more consideration. After all, not many of us can afford to splash out on a whole new wardrobe of clothes with every trip to a Rush London salon, or with every event we may be asked to attend. Therefore, having a basic capsule wardrobe to work with can be financially beneficial, as well as a offering a sustainable approach to fashion.
Green fashion can reach beyond simply wearing eco-friendly fabrics and reworked vintage. Choosing to wear pieces which you are going to be able to wear for a long period of time can be one of the best ways to prevent fashion waste. Consciously putting aware a capsule wardrobe is one way to achieve this. Making careful clothing choices isn’t something which should be strictly limited to holidays, when you might be somewhat restricted by suitcase space. Creating a capsule wardrobe for the entire year can be a great way to move the move towards a greener approach to fashion.
With a collection if mix and match items that transcend passing fashion fads, you can still create looks which are very much tailored to your own personal style, without ending up with a pile of discarded items over just one season. These are just a few of the reasons why more and more green-thinking fashionistas are keen to keep it capsule.
(thanks to Rush London whom this post was written on behalf of)
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