The Changing Colour of Fashion

As the song title confirms “It’s Not Easy Being Green”.  It is true that there is increasing celebrity endorsement for green fashion. Livia Firth recently launched her “Green Carpet Challenge” where she wore green designer clothing to all the star-studded events, culminating with the Oscars.  However, truly ethically-conscious yet stylish clothing is hard to come by.  It is pretty much the same story as with the organic beauty market; despite an increase in the availability of sustainably produced organic clothing, most companies fail to attain anything more than the not so designer label of “new bland”. 
Even with the most commendable ethics in the world you can’t build a reputation on lack luster, tired and ill conceived designs – after all, who wants to wear a poorly fitting dress or an ugly jumper? (hmmmm… actually I think there might be photographic proof that I did this in 1980s, but I digress). The ethics part is easy, well easy in so much as Global Organic Text Standards are clearly defined (refer to http://www.global-standard.org for details). I’m not suggesting adhering to GOTS is a breeze, but the real challenge lies in combining these (at times restricting) standards with products that sell on their own merit.  This is where Liv steps in. No, I am not being over familiar with Mrs. Firth, a lady whom I have never met, I am referring to the wonderful company Liv - http://www.liv-uk.com/home

It is immediately apparent from Liv’s mission statement that this is a company who have fully embraced the challenge of ethically-conscious design:

“Our mission is to ensure that we do not compromise on quality, comfort or appearance when creating our chic, ethical clothing.”

In terms of comfort a key strength of this company is their loving attention to detail. I recently purchased the Harbour- Hoodie (in gorgeous ocean shade) from their fantastic Decked-Out collection.  A great deal of emphasis was given to the use of seam free knitting technology. I must admit I thought to myself, “Oh come off it, I have so never ever been bothered by seams…” but the garment is truly amazing.  It feels so beautiful against my skin, seam free is definitely a feature I will be seeking out for future purchases. I should also add that comfort extends to their customer service, which is second to none – polite staff, speedy service, careful packaging and the odd treat from time to time (gorgeous Lavender soap on one occasion ; )

In terms of style, instead of bemoaning all the colours that are not attainable with the GOTS dying process, they make the available palette truly sing.  Take a look at the Beachcomber collection, it is bright, vibrant and full of life.

They even do potentially "bland" colours with panache. The Reef Shift Dress from the aforementioned Decked out collection is classic, clean and simply stunning.

Casting a perfunctory glance, it is the clothes themselves, and not the ethics behind them, that make them super sellable.  This is a real compliment to the Liv team and one of the best ways to genuinely help change the colour of fashion on the high street.

Almond Addiction

At which point do you realize you have an almond addiction?  Possibly the moment that instead of taking meeting notes you are stroking and sniffing your skin whilst remarking on its velvety softness and ‘good enough to eat’ aroma. I am not alone in this addiction, I have read the rave reviews, there are other almond nuts out there!  Fortunately, not everyone in the meeting was behaving in this fashion, although I strongly suspect this is only because I have yet to introduce them to what Elle.uk have described as “a hug in a bottle”, Dr. Hauschka’s fabulous new Almond body moisturiser.

Without my complete faith in Dr.Hauschka, I would have greeted the introduction of new products with skepticism.   They already have a fantastic range of body moisturizing lotions, so why tinker with a winning formula?  In some respects they have merged the best of the old with the best of the new.  Much akin to the fragrant bath oils, there is a scent to suit every skin type, mood and personality:

Lemon Lemongrass  “Toning care that refreshes and invigorates”

Quince – “Hydrating, protective care that brightens every day”

Lavender, Sandalwood – “Soothing, balancing care for body and mind”

Rose – “Enveloping, harmonizing care for skin and senses”

Almond –“Ultra-rich care that gently nurtures the senses”

I am a strong believer in following my instincts as to which product is right for a particular moment.   Perhaps my inner product voice is rejoicing in the change of seasons as I’m currently completely won over by almond:

“As the delicate fragrance of almond blossoms is bringing to mid the first stirrings of spring, the sensual note of the almond fruit sweeps us away to the warmth soaked Italian summer”

Gently massed into warmed skin after showering or bathing it is simply heavenly.  In terms of hydration it achieves a magical balance between ultra rich and lightness of texture, sinking effortlessly into the skin. In terms of fragrance it manages to hit the perfect sweet note, without crossing over into the territory of sugary marzipan, it is just divine.  My only reservation is that it is seriously addictive; fortunately a little goes a long way because I don’t like to imagine being without it!

Price	£22.95 for 145ml
Ingredients	Water (Aqua), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Alcohol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Pyrus Cydonia Seed Extract, Anthyllis Vulneraria Extract, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) – full list
Hints & Tips	I have heard good reviews of mixing a little into foundation to give the skin an extra hydrating glow