The Green Familia » Grown Ups

Fairtrade Footwear from Earth & Wear

erica — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:52 +0000

Earth & Wear are an established online retailer selling fair trade and ecologically sound clothing and accessories. They are the main UK outlet for No Sweat a fair trade footwear brand and they also sell a range of Amazon flip flops.

I like these Olive & Black No Sweat Hi Tops which would be great to wear from spring through to autumn. They sport a black rubber sole and toe section with a matching black tongue and stripe down the back. This contrasts nicely with the dark green canvas. The No sweat “solidarity” logo is featured on the side. They’re also available in black and white and they’re priced at £35 per pair.

Looking ahead to better weather, or if you’re lucky winter sun, these Amazon Flip Flops are great for warmer days or just round the house. The Amazon Flip Flops are manufactured in Brazil from recycled tyres. They’re designed to be comfortable, anti-allergic and provide excellent grip. This Tupi style of sandal is available with a range of different strap colours. They’re priced at £20.

Top Picks from Humm

erica — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:10:53 +0000

Humm specialise in producing stylish clothes from alpaca. Their clothes are produced in Peru in an ethical manner. Alpaca is a very insulating material, but is also lightweight, and it is a breathable fabric, due to the fibres having microscopic air pockets. An added bonus is that it doesn’t bobble or pill so adding to its wearable lifespan.

Humm have got Brandon Mably of the Kaffe Fasset Studio on board to design this beautifully bright, chequerboard pattern coatigen. It’ s a very simple design without buttons and it’s wonderfully long too. It’s normally priced at £245, but it’s currently available for £125.

I think this pom pom alpaca scarf is adorable. This chunky knit, super soft cosy scarf come in slate grey and has the gorgeous pom poms in fuchsia, turquoise, dark blue and deep purple at each end. Normally it’s priced at £45, but at the moment it’s on sale for £23.

Eco Sunglasses from Stella McCartney

erica — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:09:01 +0000

Sunglasses make me think of summer, but they can be useful when driving on winter days when the sun is low in the sky and you’re driving towards it. Either way Stella McCartney has launched a lovely range of eco sunglasses and there’s a wide range of styles so you should be able to find a pair to suit you. The new sustainable collection of sunglasses uses of natural raw materials, such as castor-oil seeds and citric acid.

I like these 1950′s Style Vintage Frame Sunglasses. They come with rounded edges for a comfortable fit. They look like the sort of thing Audrey Hepburn would wear and can give any outfit a touch of glamour. They’re available in 3 different colours and are priced at £144.

If you prefer a rounder look to your shades, then these Round Frame Gradient Sunglasses may be for you. This round, over sized shape features a steel frame and a very feminine outline with thin arms which feature a step design. They are priced at £156.

Hearts for your Valentine

erica — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:41 +0000

Valentine’s Day will soon be upon us and it’s worth organising your gifts now. Hearts are the traditional symbol of love and there are some beautifully designed items out there that would make welcome gifts.

This Silver & Recycled Aluminium “Fronds” Heart from Anna Clifton Jewellery caught my eye. It’s hand-made with a sterling silver frame which encases a recycled aluminum heart. To make the pendant, each piece of recycled aluminium is individually heat treated and cut from a recycled drinks can. The design is then scribed on by hand and set into resin. This seals in the design, making it colour fast and protecting it from knocks and scratches. You can choose between 16″ and 18″ sterling silver snake chains. It’s normally priced at £49.99, but it’s currently available for just £44.99.

This Hanging Heart makes a lovely gift. It’s quite large, measuring approx 20cm x 20cm,and it would look fabulous hung on a wardrobe door or on the bed frame. It could take it’s place amongst scatter cushions on your bed or sofa. It comes with 5 filling options: unfragranced, 3 choices of long-lasting aroma beads or traditional dried home-grown lavender. The ribbon loop is stitched in place and decorated with two large wooden buttons. It’s priced at £6.50 each.

Ladies Clothes from Pickled Green Clothing

erica — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:11 +0000

I’ve recently discovered the ethical clothing retailer Pickled Green Clothing. They choose brands that use only certified organic cotton, sustainable fabrics and recycled materials that are produced under Fair Trade conditions.

This Gypsy Sleeved Top is a favourite because it’s such a pretty style to wear. It’s made from organic cotton jersey in red or teal with an intricate floral print design and hand sequin work on the front. There are the distinctive, gypsy style gathered sleeves which are made from georgette and an adjustable drawstring neckline offers flexibility to adjust the neckline: you can choose to wear it off the shoulder, with a wide neck or as a round necked top. It was priced at £25, but it’s currently available at £12.50.

I love this Alfington Tunic top from Braintree. It’s a simple, but elegant, cable knit tunic is made from a mix of wool and organic cotton. A great layering piece for the winter season which would look great teamed with a long sleeved T and leggings or skinny jeans. It comes in 2 great colours: mustard and indigo and sizes run from 10 to 16. The price is £50.

Become a Model with a Models of Diversity Workshop

Jo — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:00:11 +0000

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a model, but don’t think you have got what it takes? Models of Diversity (MoD) is a London-based organisation that campaigns for more diversity in the fashion and commercial realms of the modelling industry. Their mission is to change the face of fashion and the modelling industry by advocating for more diversity in models in the hope that the fashion and marketing industries recognise the beauty in women of all races, ages, shapes, sizes and abilities.

MoD also sponsor modelling workshops for people with disabilities and campaign against the tragic effects of the size zero culture, whilst fighting inequality in the representation of real men and women.

In the hope of breaking down modelling myths and showing that anyone could have what it takes to shine on screen or page, MoD are holding a new collection of professional, intensive modelling courses, starting with a one-day workshop on 28^th January. If you want to learn some of the essential modelling skills and techniques, then sign up for this introductory workshop today and you will come away with a selection of professional images that can be used to start or enhance a modelling career.

The Introduction Workshop is a day-long course which will get everyone up and running quickly. Banishing nerves, the structured content is practical, fun and educational, where participants will learn posing, posture and performance for events, modelling, and looking confident in front of a camera – both on screen and off. The workshop includes catwalk and how to look good without makeup, and will include an actual test shoot, pro model help from a guest model with bags of experience, a professional photoshoot by two photographers from Lyon Photography, at least two hours of non-stop modelling and an introduction to Models of Diversity for every person. All the images taken on the day will be free to download, print and use online or in a modelling portfolio for no extra charge.

MoD’s models are frequently booked for mainstream press and film shoots along with catwalks and promotional activities. MoD has become well -known for raising the face of diversity in the controversial modelling industry by both innovative and controversial means.

The Introductory Modelling Workshop is just £95 and takes place from 9.30 – 4.30 on Saturday, 28^th January at the Stratford Workshops, Burford Road, London and includes lunch, refreshments and all the best images from the day. For more information and to book your place go to the MoD website here.

milliemanu Launches Ladies Liberty Print Pyjamas

Jo — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:24 +0000

Snuggle up with your children at bedtime in a matching pair of pyjamas! Kids’ PJs always look so comfortable and enticing and now British children’s wear label milliemanu has launched a range of Liberty print pyjamas for ladies, which amazingly TGF believe are the first of their kind in the UK! milliemanu produces a collection of garments for girls between the ages of 18 months and 10 years old.

The pyjamas are designed by co-founder of milliemanu, Camilla Ridley, who used to design unique velvet & chiffon scarves sold in stores such as Liberty as well as in her own label shop on the Fulham Road. The pyjamas use two of Liberty’s S/S 12 prints and retail at £119. They are made in a family run factory in Richmond so really are a very British product! For a real ‘mini me’ look the PJs also come in girls sizes too and retail at £49.

Camilla’s aim for milliemanu is to capture the quality, care and quintessential British style from the clothes of her childhood whilst bringing them up to date with a relevant, contemporary twist. milliemanu reduces the environmental footprint of each product by sourcing responsibly and they are working hard towards ensuring that all of the materials they use are produced, fairly, ethically, sustainably and close to home so they positively benefit local economies as well as the environment.

The pyjamas for ladies have been produced in response from a plea by mothers who coveted their children’s pyjamas. Made in 100% tana lawn cotton, the pyjamas feature super fine thread counts and the combed yarns and Camilla’s use of French seams make them extremely soft but also surprisingly durable. If you have been looking for garments for your children made in the UK using only the finest natural fabrics, then milliemanu is the place to shop.

The ladies pyjamas will be available in sizes Small, Medium and Large exclusively from the milliemanu website from February.

Men’s T Shirts from Cause and Affect

erica — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:00:07 +0000

Cause and Affect have a strong environmental and ethical policy. The cotton for their t-shirts is 100% organic. It’s woven into their t-shirts by fairly paid employees working in safe conditions. The designs are printed using organic, water-based inks so they’re free from harmful chemicals. That’s not all, the packaging is recycled and 100% recyclable.

They have a strong men’s range of clothing and I’ve picked out a few highlights for you. I like this strong, boldly designed Positive Icon T Shirt. It comes in a range of 5 colours: red, white, black, navy blue, sky blue and white. Sizes run from small to extra large. It’s normally priced at £20, but it’s currently available for £10.

This Mens Earth Lolly T Shirt is bound to attract a few looks with it’s simple good looks and it’s thought provoking motif. It’s also available in black and sizes small – extra large. It’s normally £20, but currently it’s priced at £10 including delivery. It’s well worth checking out the sale as most T Shirts are priced at £10 and hooded tops for £15.

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Jewellery from Woodland Treasures

erica — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:00:48 +0000

Woodland Treasures have a wonderful range of high quality wooden jewellery and combs that are hand carved in the Highlands of Scotland from reclaimed timbers. The timber used is salvaged, reclaimed or recycled offcuts of British hardwoods. All the paper and card products used for stationery and packaging comes from recycled sources.

I love this tree motif necklace made from cherry wood and Scottish marble. It makes a stunning pendant and there are a range of trees available made from different woods and stones. Prices start from around £68 and vary according to the materials used to make the piece.

There are some gorgeous brooches available too. This tree web brooch in walnut and amber caught my eye. It’s a simple, organic design which showcases the beauty of the wood and the amber. Again the same design is available in various woods and with a range of stones. This one is priced at £55. There are a number of other jewellery products available from bracelets to earrings and it’s worth taking a look at the lovely decorative, yet practical, combs on offer.

Detox in a Box for a Healthy Start to the New Year

Jo — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:58 +0000

Detox in a box for a healthy start to the New Year. Christmas is over, the festivities have come to an end and we are all thinking about getting healthy for 2012. The Detox Pack by Health Plus is a great way to detoxify easily, helping you to ensure that your body is free from pollutants without spending a fortune.

The Detox Pack contains all the nutritional supplementation you need in order to de-pollute the body the natural way over a 28 day period. There are 28 sachets of natural vitamin and mineral tablets/capsules in the box, making it a simple process to know what you need to take on a daily basis.

The unique anti-pollutant formula contains antioxidants, Glutathione and L-Cysteine to gradually remove toxins and heavy metals from the body, allowing your system to cope better with all that modern life has to throw at it.

Forget those diets and therapy treatments and take the stress out of detoxing. Help your body cope with the pressures of modern life and manage stress effectively. Kick-start the New Year with a detoxification programme that will help you achieve optimal health and result in a body that is cleansed and pure with the help of the Detox Pack nutritional supplements.

Simon Bandy, nutritional supplement expert from Health Plus says,

“Detoxifying the body is a process which should be carried out every 3-4 months, but it is especially important in the New Year if you’ve overdone it with fatty foods and alcohol. This sudden increase in food and alcohol consumption can shock your body as it becomes contaminated with these toxic impurities. Allowing these substances to fester in the body will leave you feeling and looking grey and sluggish. Detoxifying rids your body of this poisonous waste and leaves you feeling energised and invigorated.”

Remember those New Year resolutions you vowed to keep to? Easily made, but harder to stick to! Well, there is no excuse now not to make improvements to your health. Try the Detox Pack for a new you in the New Year.