Sustainable Style with a Surreal Twist

I've always been in love with the surreal - from the outlandish characters of Dr Seuss, vast strangeness of The Never Ending Story, the moving otherworldly beauty of Shaun Tan and of course my very own imagination...just to name a few. The world is FULL of quirky inspiration and I've recently been captivated by the fantastical artwork of my dear friend Rosell Flately!

So I really wanted to see what I could find in fashion and design that combined sustainability with a dreamlike aesthetic. I was a little dismayed at how difficult it was to track down pieces that were aesthetically whimsical and socially and environmentally ethical.

Here's what I uncovered after much digging :-)

Graffiti Print Leggings by HoverStuff - These crazy drip-tastic pants have been handmade from organic cotton plus 5% elastan. I think they'd suit a Dr Seuss character very well indeed :)

Ocean Ambassadors Tee from Leisure Activist Group - Super quirky and definitely eco, this tee is made from 100% recycled PET bottles. Proceeds also go toward efforts to clean up our oceans!

Tribe Dragons Cropped Sweater by Dream Nation -I'm loving the combination of the dragonesque motif of the Mayan deity Kukulkan, with fantastically vibrant colour palette! Made from 95% organic cotton

Tempest Light Shade by InHouse Space - The wonderful dreamy soft swirls of this chic light shade are made from 100% recycled plastics. Turn it on to illuminate your next creative endeavour

Brass Tentacle Pendant by Leafy Natural Couture - Delightfully eccentric, each pendant is individually hand-casted by artisans in Peru under fair trade conditions

Brick Red Hooded Scarf by Malam - I adore this whimsical hooded scarf handmade from brick red checkered vintage wool

Bear Top by Rapanui - It definitely feels like this image should be connected with a surreal and moving story! This 100% organic cotton tee was made in an ethically accredited, wind-powered factory

Garden Jumpsuit by ALAS - I feel like looking at this print is a little like gazing at clouds...you can see all sorts of weird and wonderful things :) Made from 100% certified organic cotton and hand-printed using AZO and formaldehyde free inks

Sky Planters from Design For Use - How unbelievably cool is this?! Made from recycled polypropylene, these unique planters designed by Patrick Morris save space, use 80% less water than conventional planters and look amazing.

Eyelash Fringe Catch-All from Indego Africa - Colourful and strange, this container reminds me of the strange and beautiful creatures in movies such as The Dark Crystal or Labyrinth. Made from locally grown and hand-woven sweetgrass, all profits fund educational training programs for the female artisans

Gold Wasp Studded Clutch from FashionKind - Off-putting yet completely alluring, this wasp encrusted clutch is not only vegan, but its creation also generates fair wages and dignified work to male artisans in Lucknow, India.

Giant Reindeer Bib from Little Frenchy -Such a striking and distinctive reindeer design on this 100% certified organic cotton bib for kids aged 2 to 4

Mariposa Two Piece by Reformation - Wear these breathtaking crashing waves and feel close to the mysterious element of water. Lovingly made from deadstock materials in Los Angeles

Transglass Cut Vase from State of Green - I love it when ordinary objects are transformed into something extraordinary! This eye-catching vase is hand-crafted from recycled post-consumer wine bottles thanks to skilled artisans in Guatemala

Dare More Tee by Uni-T - There's something about dragons that really captures the imagination :) This hand-printed top, with it's message to be brave, is made from a combination of bamboo and organic cotton

Map Skirt Alden Skirts - Do you know those fantasy books set in imaginary lands where the author has created a map and placed it at the start of the story? Well this skirt reminds me of those :) Particularly Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea Quartet! Each of these skirts is created by a single mother working at home, with portion of the profits going to a non-profit organization providing health care for children in Central America and the Caribbean

Blue Anika Brooch by Scoops Design - I'm really drawn to the dream-like quality of this bright design! Definitely another one that reminds me of the beloved Dr Seuss illustrations ;-) Handmade in Sydney, this pretty piece of jewellery is crafted from recycled plywood

I hope you enjoyed that :-) If you've come across any fabulous items that combine whimsy and ethics, please do share them in the comments below!

KBC x

Ethical Shoes to Put a Spring in Your Step!

The topic of this post was determined via a vote from you - my awesome readers! So thanks to popular demand, here is a round-up of animal-friendly shoes that look great and will help you tread lightly on the planet.

Lion in Mint Floral Court Shoes by Beyond Skin -I'm such a fun of this colour combination! These lovely vintage-inspired vegan shoes have been handmade in Spain using sustainable materials crafted under fair working conditions

Gogo Bootie by Charmone - These meticulously crafted cruelty-free booties have been made under fair working conditions in Italy. Charmone as a brand is also committed to maintaining an environmentally-friendly supply chain

Heera Pumps by Love Is Mighty - I was blown away by these innovative and super chic heels. Artisans have created these beautiful shoes using reclaimed biscuit wrappers! Featured at NY Fashion Week last year, they're proof that high fashion and ethics can be compatible

Desert Boots by Hooves - This style of shoe has stood the test of time! They were first worn by British Army soldiers serving in the Western Desert campaign in North Africa during World War II. Now you can own your very own cruelty-free versions

Aika Opentoe Oxford by Cri de Coeur - I'm loving the cool retro vibe emanating from the sustainable fabric print! These funky shoes were made in a sweatshop-free facility in China

Hi-Top Trainers by Inkkas - Your casual shoes don't have to be ordinary looking! Case in point, check out these vibrant handmade hi-tops crafted using traditional authentic South American textiles. Not only are these shoes fair trade and vegan, a portion of the proceeds go to charities protecting the Amazon rainforest!

The Grace in Bali Flowers Ballet Flat by The People's Movement - So much pretty! These ecochic flats have been lovingly made using organic cotton canvas, natural dyes and water-based glues. This brand is highly committed to the fight against single-use plastics, and a portion of their sales go directly to the Plastic Pollution Coalition

Women's Brogues in Chestnut by Wills - Effortlessly classic style is paired with burnished Italian faux leather to create something special. Made under ethical conditions in Portugal

Estee Wedge by OKA b - Fun and vibrant these fancy flip-flops exude summertime vibes! OKA b also practices continuous loop recycling of their shoes

Sunny Yellow by Luludu - I find these crocheted shoes absolutely mesmerizing in their prettiness! Handmade under fair conditions by artisans in Cambodia, each pair takes approximately 8 hours to create

The Guerra + Sara Hi-Top by Keep - It's no surprise that I'm loving this print featuring cats meowing in different languages =^..^= These cruelty-free kicks are strictly limited edition!

Ninja Heels by Olsen Haus - These colours are so delicious! Olsen Haus prides itself on being a champion of animal rights, sustainability and fair trade

Billy Brown Booties by Elizabeth Detroit - These super urban chic handmade booties are amazingly created using recycled plastic! Elizabeth supports a variety of animal welfare organisations through her brand

Black and White Earthwise Classics by TOMS - These wear everywhere shoes have an upper made from 77% hemp and 23% recycled plastic. Plus with each pair you buy, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need

Clog in Slate Cork and Dark Wood by Sydney Brown - Intriguingly stylish, these clogs have been handmade from sustainable materials such as cork and coconut. Sydney Brown is a strong advocate of 'cradle to cradle' production, minimizing any impact on the environment

On a final note - I would love to see all vegan shoe brands (including those above) disclosing even more detailed information on the source and production of the materials used in creating their cruelty-free shoes. 

KBC x

Purr-fect Pieces of Ethical Design

Looking for something fair and sustainable that will get your sense of style purring? Check out these fabulous ethical feline finds =^..^=

David Meowie Pillow by Two Lost Souls -Bowie and kittens? What a winning combination! How adorable is this handmade pillow case plumped up with recycled plastic faux down

Meow or Never Sweatshirt by Vaute Couture - Keep cute and warm with this organic cotton top! It's also a great way to start a conversation about the awesomeness of adopting shelter animals :) 

Love Cats Rings by Sarah Healy Design NYC - Inspired by the song 'Love Cats' by The Cure, this super sweet ring has been carefully crafted by hand. PLUS 10% of the proceeds from your purchase will be donated to the ASPCA

Cat Backpack by Little Frenchy - Tired of your boring bag made from synthetic fibres? Then check out this blast of sunshine and kitties made from certified organic cotton and natural dyes

Tiger T-Shirt by RCTees - A beautiful tiger face has been lovingly hand printed onto this organic pima cotton shirt

Vintage 1980s Michaele Vollbrach Maxi Dress - Wonderfully quirky, this vintage dress is fantastic for fabulous winter layering

Kat and Mouse Shirt by Pini Piru - This funky kids tee depicts the epic rivalry between cats and mice printed using water-based ink on a 100% organic and fairly traded cotton tee

The Grin by Pini Piru - Another crazy cat character from this Netherlands-based label graces a fairly traded and organic cotton tee

Fat Cat Coin Purse by Blue Q - This serenely happy orange kitty coin purse is made from 95% post consumer recycled material and is sure to put a smile on your dial!

Cat Ballet Shoes by FC Select - These 100% vegan flats are simply adorable! I'd like to know if the cruelty-free materials are also sustainably sourced...stay tuned :)

Leopard Shoulder Trim Dress by Ruby Rocks - Fierce AND fairtrade = WIN! Made in a small factory in Bali, Ruby Rocks knows each and everyone of their employees and ensures they're not only paid an above average wage but also receive healthcare for themselves and their family members

Kitten in Hammock Necklace by Unique Art Pendants - Need a buddy while you're out and about? Why not this little fella? This cuddly pendant has been handmade

Live in the Meow Tee from People Tree - This lovely tee has been handmade by the artisans of Assisi Garments in India using fairtrade and organic cotton fibres

Black Cat Dress by Leah Goren - I definitely have my eye on this dress for summer! The dress is made from 100% organic cotton sateen and the cat print is 100% cuteness

Leopard Ring by Love Hearts and Crosses - This 100% porcelain leopard just wants to hug your hand! Each spot has been hand painted 

Two Peas in a Pod by Nic and the Newfie - Loving this pair of mischievous Siamese cats watching a bumblebee! This super comfy looking sweatshirt is made from a combination of organic cotton, recycled polyester and rayon. Also thumbs up to pockets!

Leopard Jumper by ASOS Africa - Be an urban wildcat with this handmade jumper which has been crafted under fair conditions in Africa. This top is part of a wider collection  produced in collaboration with a rural Kenyan community north of Mombasa

Georgie Kids T-Shirt by Stella McCartney - Um cat cuddles all day??? Yes please! Loving this certified organic cotton tee from Stella's high-end ecofashion label

 
Feeling warm and fuzzy after all this kitty-themed design? Then why not look up your local cat shelter and ask if you can volunteer for a few hours? One great thing you can do is to give them all a lovely brush and a kind word =^..^= That's how I found my little rescue boy while living in the Fiji Islands :)