Kindness by Review: Kofü Ecodesign

Earlier in the year I had the pleasure of interviewing ethical jewellery designer Valérie Fréchette. She spoke to me about the art of upcycling and her love of vintage aesthetics. 

Now I'm so happy to share a closer look at one of her lovely handmade pieces - modeled by my dear friend and talented artist Lara Beeston.

At the heart of sustainability in fashion - lies versatility, which is one of the great things about these stunning earrings. You can wear them for a whimsical touch during the day and then transition effortlessly into a glamorous nighttime look!

I love the contrast of the playful owl pendant and the sophisticated vintage lace. Thanks to her environmentally friendly methods, most of Valérie's designs are limited editions and some are one of a kind. 

This uniqueness, coupled with the designer's exquisite taste, gives you the opportunity to own something truly exceptional AND ecochic! 

If that's a prospect that appeals you, I'd recommend a visit to Kofü Ecodesign :) 

Photo Credit: Andrew Beeston

 

Always Take the Weather with You

Here in Sydney, Australia, over the past few weeks the weather has shifted from sunny, dry and warm to dark, wet and cold - with a few variations in between! It's been hard to know what the day will bring - and this has catapulted the weather to the forefront of my mind, inspiring me to curate this unique collection of ethical items. So pop on your raincoat, sunglasses, gloves, hat and a warm-ish jacket and enjoy :-)

Silver Lightning Bolt Earrings by Dogeared - These recycled silver earrings are sure to add some electricity to your ensemble!

Stormy Weather Earrings by Plastic Bat - These fabulous handmade earrings by independent artist Tracy Romaszkiewic, are sure to make you smile no matter the weather!

 

Thunder Cloud Tee by Rapanui - This organic meteorologically inspired cotton tee will make a man look good come rain or shine

Cloud Earrings by Epheriell - Dreamy yet modern, these handmade 100% recycled sterling silver earrings are a delight!

1965 'Our Weather' Book from Sandshoe Vintage Prints - Give your kids (or yourself!) a truly kitsch treasure with this illustrated vintage book about the science of weather 

Delilah Storm Cloud Minidress by Nancy Dee - Chic yet cheeky, this party dress is perfect for dancing up a storm! Made from 95% organic cotton

 

Raindrop Bamboo Socks by Rapanui - When it's cold and dreary outside you can be sure to keep your feet snug in these pretty bamboo and organic cotton socks!

Upcycled Cloud Cushion from Eco Chic - You will find so many comforts on rainy days with this cuddly cushion! Cleverly handmade from vintage blankets and filled with fibre made from recycled plastic bottles

 

Raindrop Stud Earrings by Go Gin Gin Jewellery - These dainty raindrops are so sweet! You'll be singing in the rain with these 100% reclaimed and recycled silver earrings :)

Rainy Day Fund Coin Purse by Blue Q - Who knew saving for a rainy day could be so cute? This super fun vegan purse is made from 95% post-consumer material

Head in the Clouds Tee by Pini Piru - Sweetly surreal, this 100% organic and fair trade cotton kids tee puts the fun back into drizzly weather and puddles. Loving the Dr Seuss vibe!

Recycled Cloud Necklace by Factory on the Moon - Handcrafted from recycled magazines, this one of a kind accessory is a bold choice that will endanger you with a steady rain of compliments!

Lightning Cloud Notelets by Earth Greetings - Now you'll never write a boring note again with these beauties full of 'zizz' and 'pow'! Made from 100% post-consumer waste

Colour Spectrum Cloud Brooch by Jetta's Nest - Not every cloud is a stormy one! Handmade from vintage and salvaged timber and decorated with unique designs, this brooch will be a silver lining to any outfit

Vintage 'I Don't Care For Chilly Weather' Postcard from Plaid Pearls - Sometimes you just get fed up with cold weather, but this fab vintage postcard from 1912 will remind you that it's the perfect time for cuddling up close :)

Rainbow Cascading Brazilian Beleza Bracelet + Necklace by Live Worldly - Both literally and metaphorically, after the rain comes the rainbow! Handcrafted by artisans in Brazil, these beautiful pieces of Acai seed jewellery are skillfully created using techniques that take decades to learn

Laughter is the Sun Wall Print by Eco Jot - If you've got laughter in your life then you can make your very own sunshine no matter what the weather! This poster made from 100% post-consumer recycled material

"Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather"

~John Ruskin

My little Teddy Cat enjoys a lull in the rain =^..^=

Come Say Y'ello'w to Ecochic Fashion

Yellow is the colour of the Solar Plexus Chakra, also known as Manipura. Hailed as the happiest colour in the spectrum, yellow has also been known to:

• Stimulate mental processes
• Stimulate the nervous system
• Activate memory
• Encourage communication

So next time you need a quick pick-me-up or want to strike up a really good conversation - reach into your wardrobe for a burst of ecochic yellowy goodness!

Vintage Linen Pony Dress from V V Vintage - I adore this dress! It just shouts "HI! Let's have an AWESOME day" to me...in an incredibly stylish way of course. Plus the pocket pony is exquisite

Bamboo Salad Bowl in Pineapple by The Dharma Door -What a delicious looking bowl this is! It's been handcrafted from sustainable bamboo under fairtrade conditions

Erebi Dress by Skunkfunk - With pleats, a drop waist, and drape pockets this is an organic cotton and bamboo shift dress with a stylish difference!

Wooden Peter Pan Collar in Yellow by Polli - This whimsical necklace is uber chic and was inspired by the Danish lace collars handed down through generations of designer Maja Rose's family. It has been made from sustainable plantation hoop pine

The King's Crown Kids Tee by Pini Piru - The always irreverent and creative team from The Netherlands never fails to make eco-friendly kids tees that are super cool! This quirky top is made from 100% organic and fairly traded cotton and was printed using water-based toxic free ink

Neon Yellow Ballerina Flats from Alternative Outfitters - You'll be walking on sunshine all day with these vegan flats!

Point Earrings by Green Tree Jewelry - These funky yellow drop earrings are made from sustainable wood and coloured using natural non-toxic dyes

CAS Nick Unisex Hoodie from The Vanity Project - This isn't just any old cute and comfy hoodie! Proceeds from this stylishly huggable piece of clothing go toward the Children's Aid Society, which benefits New York's neediest children and their families at more than 45 locations in the five boroughs and Westchester County

Quilted Laptop Bag by Nomi Network - Not only will this stylish bag keep your laptop nice and protected, your purchase will help to create jobs for survivors of trafficking or women at risk. Made in Cambodia from recycled rice bags

Sun Pebble Necklace by T_Design - Wearing these gorgeous handcrafted balls of sunshine will make any outfit POP! Would look especially beautiful against a crisp white top...so fresh!

The Short Short in Yellow from The IOU Project - Being born and bred in Tropical Far North Queensland, I'm a massive fan of a cute pair of shorts! Every item purchased from the IOU Project is unique, handmade and 100% traceable and provides artisans with fair wages

Recycled Lace Clutch by Red Tree Designs - This darling upcycled bag makes me feel like putting on a pretty frock and having high tea with my girls!

Cross Stitch Shirt with Mustard Embroidery by Bhalo - Inspired by the traditional Bangladeshi jamdani pattern, this shirt is made from 100% hand-loomed cotton under fair trade conditions benefiting women and children in rural Bangladesh

Neon Beans n' Stripes Scarf by Choolips - This distinctively chic scarf was hand printed using traditional West African Batik methods in Ghana. With each scarf purchase you're contributing to sustainable livelihoods and the protection of ancient craft techniques

Butter Cream Sleeveless Elsa Dress by Elsa & Me - This classically beautiful silhouette is so versatile and stylish. Made from 100% organic cotton in New York

One Love Bracelet from ARTICLE22 - Amazingly this message of love has been etched into recycled bomb material by artisans in Laos! Hearts has partnered with ARTICLE22 to support the artisans who re-purpose the bombs by recycling the metal into accessories and paying artisans at least 4x local market rates

Leonie Coat by Maiya - I've never understood why people insist on wearing only black or grey coats in winter, surely that's the time of year we need a serious injection of colour into our lives? This stunning coat has been made from end-of-roll and vintage fabric that was bound for landfill

Yellow Autobus Pillow by laKattun - This super fun happy pillow has been made from 100% certified organic cotton and hand-printed using water-based inks

Nathalie Canvas Wedges by Stella McCartney - These stunning pop yellow wedges are luxurious vegan feet candy!

Endangered Bee Print Boardshorts in Yolk by Riz Boardshorts - These fantastic limited edition boardshorts are perfect for the eco-conscious guy who loves the beach! Not only are they made in Portugal from 100% recycled and recyclable polyester, but 10% of each sale goes toward the Bumblebee Conservation Trust!

Organic Cotton Cowl Neck-warmer by 2 Yellow Birds - Frosty wind kept away from your neck? Tick! Amazing vivid colour paired with a neutral shaded jacket? Tick! Looking AND feeling amazing? Achieved! 

Modern Mania Dress by KowTow - If you're looking for an outfit that's fashion-forward yet comfy, this could be the one for you! Made from 100% certified fairtrade and organic cotton by this outstanding innovative New Zealand label