June natural faves

So, confession time, I’ve not posted since April… That’s 2 whole months!!! And even worse, I’ve had things stored up to say but just haven’t managed to get there. So, my biggest apologies for this serious neglect! Life is somewhat chaotic at the moment, what with a *very* imminent wedding, family visits and house moves, but I’ve managed to stop for a 5 minute breather just to share with you some of my most recent and favourite natural beauty and fairtrade fabulous buys! Let’s start with some products from my classic fave: Lush.

1. H’suan Wen Hua hair treatment and Powdered Sunshine 

After a lifetime of hair dying, hair stripping and bleaching, I have to confess- my hair is a little more on the damaged side than it used to be. To be frank, I’ve probably gotten away with more than I should have been able to having been blessed with pretty decent hair all round but it’s finally starting to take its revenge!! I thought I’d give this hair treatment a try after a friend recommended it in the States. Stuffed full of protein rich egg, banana and avocado, this treatment literally brought my hair back to life. And it smells like CHRISTMAS everyone! That’ll be the cinnamon. I was a wee be sceptical about this one at the start. Powdered sunscreen?! WHAT??? How does that even make sense? But more the fool me. I thought I’d give this a test ready to take on honeymoon and was seriously pleasantly surprised. On a trip to the beach, I gave this a go. It’s not the easiest thing to apply and has a more sticky texture than a regular powder, but the protection it gives is fabulous. As a pale skinned lovely, this certainly did the job- and Luke’s sunburn will certainly attest to the fact that it was crazy warm that day (hear his cries of “I’ll be fine without sunscreen thanks”). As someone who hates that slick feel that suncreams give, this was a brilliant alternative and in a cute dinky bottle too, perfect for carrying around for a top up. Get ready Rome!

2. Natural Health magazine  

So I’ve probably been living under a rock to have not discovered this, but I’m not much of a magazine buyer and it was only when I needed change on the beach trip for parking that I found this treat of a read! Natural beauty from the inside out, with lots of great tips on eating better, having a healthier lifestyle and TONNES of advice on organic products. A fabulous little read!

3. ASOS Green Room ‘Eco’ edit 

I’m a regular online shopper and often search for new companies that provide ethical fashion. I think on this day I was searching for Fairtrade Leggings (the Eco warrior gym staple) when I discovered that ASOS have an edit of ethical products and companies all tied up in a neat bundle! I was mostly excited that ASOS have recognised how important this is and decided to draw more attention to what they provide, as otherwise it could be pretty hidden. Packed full of Fairtrade jewellery, ethical fashion and great vintage finds!

4. Eighteen Rabbit

So technically, this isn’t a new find as such. I’ve discovered this store in Hay-On-Wye (my happy place) and have always loved rummaging through their items, but recently they popped up on my Facebook newsfeed! So really I’m just gonna share my most favourite items from their online store!   

   

  

  

  

  

How totally adorable are those necklaces? And the swoon worthy dresses?! Just fabulous!

So, friends, fill me in. What are your most favourite recent natural beauty/Fairtrade fashion finds? Share away! Hannah xo

Spotlight on: Nomads

About 4 months ago I blogged about a FABULOUS Fairtrade fashion company called Nomads Clothing Inspired by India, Nomads offer incredible prints whilst maintaining functionality and comfort. I fell in love with their colour schemes last Autumn and am SUPER excited to review their spring/summer collection and share my top buys! So here goes.

1. Plain skinny jeans  

Who doesn’t love skinny jeans?! This fab pair come in grey and burgundy too! Functional AND cute!

2. Printed waterfall waistcoat 

I love a multipurpose item! And this can even become a SCARF!! I love the print and tassles, but check out this tie dye version too: 

3. Tie dye raglan tunic 

Speaking of tie dye, this tunic looks insanely comfortable and stylish at the same time. TIE DYE FOR THE WIN!!!

4. Peg leg trouser 

As a curvy lady, I love a peg leg trouser and the print of these is fab. And with that belt? *swoon*

5. Shirt dress 

This is SO PRETTY! Yellow is my favourite colour so I was always going to love this, but it comes in other designs too. Plus, shirt dresses are massive this season.

6. Jersey maxi skirt 

Maxi skirts are just so very wonderful for this season! Roomy yet stylish. I love this print and pop of orange!

7. Yasmin cuff 

No list is complete without an accessory and this beaded cuff is super gorgeous!

So what are you waiting for? Get to Nomads! And tell me, what are YOUR picks for this season? Hannah xo

  

Nirvana and Papaya – the verdict!

A little while ago I posted about an ethical fashion brand – Nirvana and Papaya – and shared a few of my favourite pieces from their line. Shortly after I purchased a few of these favourites and thought it was the perfect opportunity for a little review! So last weekend I had a bit of fun with my new pieces…

First up! The gorgeous feather print harem pants. I LOVED these. I will wear them lots more in the summer as they were quite thin, but they are super comfy and the colour is just gorge.

And the tie dye leggings!! These were SO fun. However, when you’re short, one size fits all can be tricky and there WAS some extra bagginess. It’s something I can work with though and intend on shortening the leggings at some point because I really do adore them.

I also bought the anklet I loved ready for the summer! Have any of you made any purchases? I’d love to hear your verdicts! Hannah xo

Spotlight on: Nirvana and Papaya

I love Facebook! Am I the only one open enough to say it? Sometimes Facebook just gets me. It’s like “hey, I think you’d like this” and you’re all “heck yeah I do, thanks Facebook!” And that’s just what happened to me tonight! I am SO excited to have discovered this absolute gem of a brand and super syked to share my picks!

First and foremost, Nirvana and Papaya are a clothing and homeware brand who are proud to promote ethical work conditions, fair wages and Fairtrade. Some of their products are homemade and even upcycled from traditional indigenous fabrics. And seriously, I couldn’t help but fall in love with some of their pieces. So here are my picks!

1. Embroidered bird pattern cushion cover

I know, I know! How insanely CUTE is this cushion cover? I love the bright colours and gorgeous embroidery detailing.

2. Stone anklet with brass beads and bells

I LOVE an anklet in the summer (less so in the winter under boots- major uncomfort) and the idea of jingling as I walk? YES PLEASE!!

3. Feather harem pants

I am no stranger to harems and the comfort level is just INSANE!! And you feel like Aladdin. Win win.

4. Hmong cross stitched sandals

Now, these may not be everyone’s cup of tea, they’re a bit wild and wacky, but that’s JUST what I love about them. Who wants to look the same as everyone else? Bring on warm weather and painted toe nails please!

5. Elephant Thai shoulder bag with stripes

I don’t even want to talk about this I love it so much. Ugh just gorgeous!!!

6. Tie dye leggings

WHAAAAAAT?!?!?! I need these in my life soooo bad. Super cute and edgy, these WILL be bought!

So, tell me what hidden beauties you’ve come across recently. Let’s share tips and style! And seriously, get ordering from Nirvana and Papaya. Hannah xo

Spotlight on: Nomads

One of the countries I have ALWAYS wanted to travel to is India. In fact, it would be a bit of a dream. And it was this beautiful country that inspired the ethical fashion line Nomads. Nomads was started by Duncan and Vicky in the late 1980s after meeting whilst travelling in India. Between them, they spent the last of their cash on ethnic, handmade clothes before heading home. With the profits they made, they continued to travel back to India, picking up fabrics and crafts on the way. From their shared love of India and its culture they were inspired to start up Nomads, creating styles to fit into the niche bohemian market.

I’ve mentioned before that I’m a bit of a barefoot hippy at heart! What I love about Nomads are the ethnic, bohemian prints and, of course, their commitment to Fairtrade. I’m also all in for comfort all the time and that’s something else this fantastic brand provides! Another thing they provide? Tights!! That’s right… Tights. And I LOVE that they do! They truly have thought of it all while sticking with their core values of ethical fashion and respect for people and nature, something that I find truly inspiring.

So I thought I’d share with you a few of my picks from the current Nomads collection and I won’t lie… It was tough to choose!

Printed harems

I FLIPPIN LOVE harems, so comfy. And I love a beautiful print! This print also comes in a maxi skirt too.

Peacock dip hem shirt

Now this is my favourite, I love the print and style of this shirt. Christmas list for sure!

Embroidered shirt

I absolutely love the colour of this shirt, although it does come in a white and blue too! The embroidery just adds that little bit of extra luxury.

Print cord dress

CORD!! I know!!! A beautiful print cord dress, totally autumnal and cosy. An absolute dream!

Floral print leggings

Leggings are such a staple these days, and the floral print of these really makes them stand out. These are also provided in a alternative print and there are plain leggings too for if you’re not feeling as adventurous!

Cashmere fingerless gloves

Oh how I love these fingerless gloves! Cashmere is so soft and warm, who needs those fingers covered?!

Beaded necklace

Jewellery is a passion of mine and I love the beautiful simplicity of this piece! There’s also a matching bracelet and alternative style necklace top! The perfect gift for a special lady in your life.

I really encourage you, particularly as we approach the festive season, to hit the website and consider where your money is going this Christmas!

Happy Thursday! Hannah xo

Fairtrade felines

When two of my favourite things in the world collide…. Wow!!! It’s like a party in my brain!!!! And this post is about two of my favourites…. Fairtrade and felines! And in fact, it’s also about my other favourite- fashion! I know. You’re excited. I can feel it.

I’ve posted a little about People Tree before. This is a company I have OODLES of respect and time for. I love their designs and their ethos. And THEN I fell upon some of their new autumn line:

I love cats. A real and deep love. My cat, Bumper, is my little guy and so when it comes to anything cats, I automatically love it! And let’s talk about how CUTE this print is. And then the jumper- utterly adorable!!! Christmas wish list- check.

I just want to share a couple of slightly off topic pieces from the collection too. Because I love foxes:

And then let’s just talk about how this insanely gorgeous midi skirt is called… Hanna! And this Hannah loves a midi:

Happy Tuesday blog lovers! Hannah xo

Book Club – Naked Fashion

Ok ok I know I know… It’s been more than 2 months since my last book club post. To be honest, I’ve not necessarily read anything to write home about! And, yes, I’m aware that I’m only JUST getting this in as August’s Book Club post but the important thing is, I’m here now!

THIS is my Book Club post. Naked Fashion by Safia Minney. For any of you who are into ethical fashion or would love to know more about it, this is the book for you (side note, do NOT simply google “naked fashion”… Please just save yourselves and type “book by Safia Minney” alongside it)! From stories from those who are directly affected by the “real cost of fashion”, to the opinions of those fashion moguls on the scene who are striving to make the fashion world a more ethical place. The book explains the differences between Fairtrade and Ethical clothing as well as giving a whole HEAP of information about Ethical Brands that are easily accessible to us as consumers. With interviews with well known names, such as Emma Watson, Vivienne Westwood and Orla Kiely, it really is a fantastic read and an incredible insight into the importance of ethical fashion!

Give it a go, you may be surprised by what’s available and what an impact it can have on thousands of families around the world. Hannah xo