It's that time of year again folks...

So it's definitely warming up to that time of year again...Christmas. This pre-Christmas time slot just stikes fear into my heart because of one reason only- Christmas shopping. Erugh! The mayhem! The panic! The pre-Christmas sales!!

You can find out how I'll cope with this years Christmas shopping panic, right here, at the Oxfam Fashion Blog

Neals Yard Evening with FAIR

Last night a couple of friends and I went along to The FAIR Shop's late night Thursday event down in Brighton town. Now I know I'm biased because I work there, but it really was a lovely evening. We had fair trade vanilla scented candles burning, white wine and nibbles, and of course, we had the lovely Fi Feehan with all of her delicious smelling Neal's Yard remedies. The scent of Rose and Frankincense were drawing me over to her products!

I talked to Fi about my problem skin and scarring and she walked me through the products that she thought would help relaying her personal experience with the organic products to me. She recommended I use the 'Wild Rose Beauty Balm' -an all in one miracle product that I can use as both a cleanser and a moisturiser and as an added bonus on my eczema. She gave me a tester pot that should last a couple of weeks so I can see how the product suits  my skin before I purchase. I used it this morning as a cleanser and it felt so super soft on my skin! My skin didn't feel tight afterwards at all and it smelt divine! I'm not sure if it might be a little too heavy as a moisturiser for me, but I'm going to stick it out and see how I get on with it as a moisturiser as well. 

It's funny, as soon as I walked into The FAIR Shop as a customer instead of an employee, I couldn't stop myself from buying a few items that I have had my eye on for weeks! I tried on mountains of clothes before I finally settled on two People Tree items- a gorgeous blue, loose knit jumper and tight fitting black jersey pencil skirt. I think it's really important to support small local businesses, especially when the staff are so helpful, so I'm very happy to have bought my People Tree items from FAIR and I will be purchasing any  future Neal's Yard products from Fi Feehan. I'm so happy with my purchases! Thank you to both The FAIR Shop and Neal's Yard for such a wonderful evening! I'll let you know how I get on with the 'Wild Rose Beauty Balm' in a few weeks...

P.S. After we left The FAIR Shop, we wandered a couple of doors down to Taylor St. Baristas for a late night snack... We had some delicious bread, oil and dukkah which we shared, along with a savory goats cheese and spinach muffin- so TASTY! And the staff we really friendly; a lovely coffee shop and a fantastic end to our evening.

@TheFAIRShop  @nyrorganicuk  @taylorstbtown  @PeopleTree  #ethicalfashion  #latenightthursdays

Better The Devil You Sew

Last week I had the very good fortune of being invited to the launch of Oxfam Brighton's new collection from their unique line 'Better The Devil You Sew'. The line is completely unique and exclusive to the Brighton North Street shop and made entirely by the work of creative generous volunteers. You can read my Oxfam Fashion Blog post on the launch here!

@OxfamBrighton     #OxfamSewingClub    @OxfamFashion    #btdys

Caipora Jewellery

I was recently made aware of this incredible ethical jewellery brand- Caipora- which was the 2011 Innovation Award Ethical Fashion Forum winner:

“With today’s resources being depleted faster than most people can realise, I’ve chosen to work with designers who use natural, recycled and eco-friendly materials, as well as to support the development of artisanal communities and to maintain the values they share with Caipora – a passion for people and the environment.”

The jewellery is both incredibly beautiful and ethical so of course I am in love with it! The designs are incredibly unique and varied within the brand due to their range of designers. The brand splits its designs into four categories- air, earth, fire and water. It turns out I am a earth and fire kinda gal...

These beautiful necklaces are in the fire collection and are made out of ethically produced PVC rubber- such an innovative material!

Designed using up-cycled paper, these pieces are handcrafted and utilise locally sourced materials.The leather on the bracelet is also recycled and all of the lengths are adjustable. I just think they are absolutely stunning! Big statement pieces really pull out fits together and this brand have gone to every length to make sure these pieces are ethical. Not only are the materials used ethically sourced but local artisans in Brazil create the beautiful jewellery for this collection. Love love love! Someone buy me some pleeeaase!