Style Post Ft. Komodo & Monkee Genes

The end of summer requires a bit of layering. Here I am modelling the stunning new Komodo jacket in herringbone. It's a classic shape and cut that will carry through the years and the quality is incredibly good. It isn't yet part of my own wardrobe, I've just borrowed it for this picture from The Fair Shop, but as soon as I gather the funds it will be all mine! 

Together with the jacket, I'm wearing my new Monkee Genes. I've wanted a pair of these for literally years but always a) shied away from the price and b) could never find the right colour denim... But finally I found them in Loot, an independent retailer in Brighton's North Lane. They were in the sale reduced from £59 to £40- far more acceptable for my budget. I know you can buy Monkee Genes in Topman but I always like to try and support independent retailers if I can. 

My sandals I picked up in a charity shop the other day for the bargain price of £1.99 and the top was exactly the same price, originally American Vintage and is 100% silk- charity shops really are incredible. 

P.S. These photos were taken in The Fair Shop and any items you can see in the background can be found and bought there  : )

Brighton Style Post

Walking through Brighton's lanes I can't help but admire the beautiful murals graffitied over the city's walls. Most people who live in Brighton would agree that this kind of graffiti is not considered vandalism but is most definitely considered art. We love it.

Today I'm wearing a vintage skirt bought from within Brighton's North Lane at Starfish, a Laura Ashley top bought from a charity shop on Brighton's London Road and an O My Bag handbag bought in The Fair Shop- a Brighton based ethical fashion boutique. Brighton is an absolute hub for ethical fashion whether it be vintage, second hand or Fair Trade- it can all be found within the seaside city.

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People Tree at FAIR

The FAIR Shop

Trying to find ethical fashion on the high street is a nightmare. When I'm buying ethical fashion I constantly find myself limited to online shopping. Yes, it is convenient in this winters miserable weather, I can shop from the comfort of my own bed, but when it comes to clothes, I like to try before I buy. I also want to take every opportunity to support local independent business's especially ones stepping out of the normal highstreet fashion comfort zone and looking into ethical alternatives.

In Brighton we have a plethora of vintage, second hand and charity shops but we have very few shops selling brand spanking new ethical clothes. This is where FAIR comes in. FAIR is an independent ethical retailer stocking brand new Fairly Traded clothing, accessories and homewares. They pick out the best bits from womens clothing brands such as People Tree, Komodo, Nancy Dee, Bibico and O So Shika focusing on beautiful dresses and bright knitwear. They stock stunning jewelry from Fair Trade brands like Bombolulu and Love That Stuff that also supply to bigger stockists like People Tree.

Ethical fashion for men is an area which needs some more effort put in and FAIR are doing just this with their exapanding mens collection. They stock the usual suspects like People Tree, Komodo and Pants for Poverty, but also stock newer Fair Trade brands such as Arthur & Henry who make stunning formal shirts for men. Along with mens clothes, FAIR stock brands for kids; the adorable Little Green Radicals that have cute animal designs on tops, hats and babygrows for the little ones in your life. 

FAIR are doing what not many other shops have the guts to do. They are going out on a limb and challenging the fast fashion monopoly. They provide a space where Fair Trade fashion can be showcased and bought by the ethically conscious consumer in an environment where it competes against retail giants following unethical and fast fashion practices. FAIR collects the best of ethical fashion and brings it straight to the public so that we can still maintain the shopping experience that most ethical brands do not provide us with. So, lets say thanks to the ethical fashion boutiques like FAIR who provide us with real life clothes instead of pixelated images online and support them with our business this Christmas.

P.S. Vote for FAIR in the 'Dress for Success' window dressing competition held by Brighton and Hove City Council here

Photo: first- www.thefairshop.co.uk, last- http://www.jimpix.com/, all others my own

@TheFairShop   #dressed2012   #ethicalfashion

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