Embracing Ethical and Sustainable Clothing (And My Own Style)

As most of you will know I am on a weight loss journey (again). This time it seems to be going well and if everything goes to plan I will be picking up my 1 stone off award at Slimming World tonight (if I don’t I may of course have a toddler-like tantrum on the carpet as I have been very, very good!).

Hitting my thirties coincided with no longer having to struggle with my weight so that I could conceive (damn you PCOS and the years of trying, poking and prodding) now that I have two fabulous sons and Roy and I are happy with our family size and a realisation that I will never have the same body that I did at 18 years old, back when I thought I was fat, and actually being ok about it. Now I’m looking at my weight loss journey alongside a grand plan to reinvent myself slightly. As I’m slimming down I’m starting to get brave once more and look at incorporating colour into my wardrobe instead of the safer grey, navy and black I’ve hidden in for so long. I’m not “there” yet however I love the idea of adding a few casual dresses to my collection, accessorising with fab oversized bags, boots and ethical jewellery and I have an eye on a few key pieces that I am desperate to get my hands on.

I could cope with this, with long boots and bangles

Part of my reinvention is to be me, just me. I’m actually quite cool I think and so I’m exploring and embracing my own style and part of this is about making more ethically responsible, environmentally friendly and even thriftier fashion choices. I love the idea of preloved clothing, of items handmade by people in countries who make clothes in safe and healthy workplaces who are able to provide for their families because people buy their items and of exploring more natural alternatives such as bamboo clothing.

Don’t get me wrong, I will still shop off the rail in my local charity shop and occasionally buy something from a big online department store however I will endeavour to incorporate ethical and sustainable fashion into my life in the same way I have organic foods and fair trade items.

Fashion and me in the same sentence seems quite bizarre to me however at this point I have decided that in order to be comfortable in my own skin I also have to be comfortable with what I put on it and with dresses, tops and more like these included from Style Is… (a fabulous online store with clothing collections from all over to tempt you) on offer it makes shopping for such things not only easier but a pleasure. With vintage items, recycled clothing, revamped tops and dresses and more for the first time browsing for clothing feels fun rather than something to be avoided at all costs.

Bamboo socks (There are even bamboo knickers!)

My question for all of you is: What is your clothing style? Do you have one? Could you put a name to it? At the moment I’m calling mine “Oversized slouch-wear” however I will soon be rocking a more vintage boho look if all goes to plan!

 

I adore SeaSalt clothing and this colour is fantastic!

This post was written in collaboration with the mentioned businesses however is true to my own thoughts, feelings and experiences.

 

StorkUp: Funky, Quirky, Original & Affordable Shopping

Hands up if you find shopping a bore sometimes?! When shopping online (which should be considerably easier than trawling around shopping centres) jumping from place to place, looking for inspiration and endlessly searching for different shops may become wearying after a while.

lego-zipbin-storage-case--playmat
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StorkUp offers an alternative to those who are shopping for baby and children’s items, from clothing to toys and beyond. I have been “watching” StorkUp since it launched as I was intrigued by the one stop shop idea however since those early day the business has grown rapidly, incorporating hundreds of retailers into their catalogue ensuring that there is something for all styles, preferences and budgets.

Cream Bunny All In One
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I might have mentioned once or twice recently that I am very soon (approx. two weeks) going to be becoming an aunt to a niece for the time on “my” side of the family. My sister is expecting her first and this time I will be spoiling a girl rather than boys. I had no idea shopping for girls could be so much fun! My two ratbags are of course loveable boys so there is no pink in sight so browsing this site has been a joyful experience!

There are other stores that give you a wide choice of goods and I’ve used many of them at one time or another however StorkUp seem to have the edge on the more trendy, quirky and unique finds which make shopping for yourself or for others that much more enjoyable.

The site itself is ridiculously easy to use. You may sign up with Twitter, Facebook or your email address, add your children’s details or pregnancy info, start lists for saving items or for those who just want to get down to the nitty gritty of seeing what is on offer there is a big SKIP option so that you can start exploring.

StorkUp-Raspberry Red
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The site is set out very much like Pinterest in a way, enabling you to scroll through hundreds of items quickly and easily. It is simple to customise your searches by keyword, theme, price or even by what is “trending” at the time. A brilliant way to get your shopping done!

Thankfully pink, blue, green, purple and any colour you could want is catered for as I seem to have plenty of friends and family all expecting at the moment.

Whether you are searching for clothing, toys, equipment, interiors or indeed anything related to babies, toddlers and children “just because” or for birthdays and Christmas you won’t go wrong using Stork Up. A huge plus point for me is that StorkUp introduces savvy shoppers to a wide number or independent retailers who perhaps might have been missed otherwise.

I will certainly be hitting the site for Xmas ideas and have already “liked” and follow their Facebook page so that I don’t miss out on news, offers and competitions. This year why not make shopping for new, fun and high quality items from independent sellers and established businesses easier, saving yourself both time and money.

From Small Beginnings
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*Written in collaboration with the mentioned business yet true to my own thoughts, feelings and experiences.