I love what the people at People Tree try to do. They are worth a look as they have some perfect styles for the weird 'mid-seasonal' period that will take you through to Easter and beyond. What's so special about People Tree? Their products are eco compatible with the planet and they work hard to create livelihoods and sustain incomes for an impressive 4000 artisans and farmers from around the world. They work to minimize environmental impact and use organic and Fair Trade cotton. Dyes are safe and they steer clear of synthetics. If this is all sounding a bit dippy, hippy it's not - it makes great sense and the products are both relevant and stylish. Jewellery is produced in India and Kenya and is handmade by Fair Trade groups, often supporting disabled artisans.
Cycling mini dress: In 8,10,12,14 Designed by Keeda Oikawa (Japan) £ 28
Running T-shirt: In 8,10,12,14 Designed by Hakon Madland Hagesaether (Norway) £ 25
Womens Medal T-shirt: In 8,10,12,14 Designed by Katy Wroe (UK) £ 20
People Tree are eco fashion pioneers and along with Fair Trade are promoting new T-shirts inspired by London in 'this year of sport' (guess they're not allowed to say the Olympics as they are not a sponsor - ridiculous!).
The Olympics are all about countries from all over the world coming together outside of politics and territory to take part in an event which promotes unity, fairness and mutual respect. They are united in circles of goodwill and it is these qualities which People Tree champion and campaign for.
They challenged their customers and friends to design a t-shirt inspired by the key countries that they have been linked with over 20 years through People Tree - UK, Japan, Bangladesh, India and Nepal. Buy and t-shirt and continue the amazing work they do to help overcome the hurdle of profit before people and planet! I love the top one with the ladies on bikes!
The t-shirts will be on the People Tree website from May 2012, printed on 100% organic Fairtrade certified cotton produced by the People Tree’s Fair Trade groups.
I know we are due a mini-heatwave by the end of the week but I feel a bit short-changed. I am actually looking forward to getting out my winter clothes which I prefer and cover up all that summer weight that seems to have slipped onto my hips - and I just prefer to be wrapped up if I'm honest. What I will be needing is a winter coat as although I LOVE my faithful duffle I really do need something with a bit more style...7
Here are my favourites...
The short tweed Cambridge coat from Jaeger How gorgeous is this classic car coat with it's oversized collar and sleek silhouette. This is an investment piece and I would feel like a character from Mad Men when I wore it... price tag? £450
Hobbs Bernice Coat in Melange Grey from John Lewis Another classic this time from Hobbs that will go from one season to the next. Loving the wide lapels and wrap-style with belted-waist (make the most of your shape that's what I say!). And you can see, even from the picture, that this is a soft little number being in a mohair mix fabric. Damage? £369
I like checks - especially when they are muted, like this one. This has a black satin lining, black logo embellished buttoning and two front clip pockets - will definitely keep you warm and cosy when you're walking the moors... Price? an affordable £120
Red car coat in nylon/wool mix from River Island. I quite fancy a flash of red to brighten up my, well let's face it, all too black winter wardrobe. And red is one of the season's signature colours on the A/W catwalks. This one is smart, simple and at a cool £80 is great value for money...
Classic tailored camel coat from Jigsaw. Oh yum! Do I love this coat? Have always wanted a classic camel coat and have never had one... love the hidden buttons and the length is perfect... again a classic investment buy which if I look after it will last me a few seasons. Price? A sterling £229
I took this snap yesterday lunchtime in Office, Oxford Street. The sparkle caught my eye first of all, and as with all shoes that catch my eye I had to pick them up - they were as light as air. And then the message that for every pair purchased TOMS would provide a pair for an impoverished child and that was it - I was sold! Wanting to know more I visited the TOMS website and here is what I read...
In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie befriended children in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One. Blake returned to Argentina with a group of family, friends and staff later that year with 10,000 pairs of shoes made possible by TOMS customers.
Why Shoes?
Many children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or going to school, these children are at risk:
•A leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted diseases, which can penetrate the skin through bare feet. Wearing shoes can help prevent these diseases, and the long-term physical and cognitive harm they cause.
•Wearing shoes also prevents feet from getting cuts and sores. Not only are these injuries painful, they also are dangerous when wounds become infected.
•Many times children can't attend school barefoot because shoes are a required part of their uniform. If they don't have shoes, they don't go to school. If they don't receive an education, they don't have the opportunity to realize their potential.
The thought of barefoot children in the 21st century horrifies me. So indulging your love of shoes can really help someone in need...
