New Look La Luminata

Step on over to the new La Luminata Sustainable Design & Trends Magazine. Officially launched on 1st September 2009, with new and improved sections, hip new writers and an extension of the work of La Luminata, we hope that you will come and subscribe to our work of sustainable love!

Ode to Olenhaus

Oh hot pink a/w 2009 boots from Olenhaus…how I did not realise that I needed you in my life until now. Your so pink, and shiny and edgy and so very vegan, yet so wearable. Your a vintage pair of shoes in the making…a siren of the street, an eco statement of the highest level, ’super- powered’ boots.  And your not available…(yet!).

Illuminated Porcini

Mushrooms inspired this set of ‘Porcini’ Lamps, bringing a series of organic shapes together to form this sustainable lighting. Created using naturally sustainable materials; Tasmanian Oak, a non-endangered timber species sourced from Australian sustainable forests finished with natural Australian beeswax, and 100% pure new wool upholstery, which is both biodegradable and renewable. The hand-crafted feel of these items reflects the elements of its nature.

Recycled Sari Jacket

This one of a kind beauty is created from recycled sari fabric to make an individual, fitted and warm jacket. Get hold of one here.

La Luminata Partners With Ethical Fashion Forum

La Luminata is proud to announce that it has become a partner of the Ethical Fashion Forum, the number one hub for ethical fashion news, advice and help. With great informative events taking place across the UK and a new ethical fashion network, I hope to be as involved as possible in supporting their valuable work and being a part in the Ethical Fashion Forum’s future.

Have Wings Must Fly

The Butterfly Book is designed in memory of charity fundraiser Claire Wadley and includes sketches, paintings and poems from celebrities including Stephen Fry, Jeffrey Archer, Manolo Blahnik, Simon Schama andMatthew Williamson.

Claire Wadley was 25 when she lost her fight against leukaemia, having battled the disease for seven years, and dedicating much of her time to raising money for Leukaemia Research. Claire loved butterflies and at her funeral, when a butterfly was seen flying in the rafters of the church, it gave her friends and family great hope.

The Butterfly Book by Laura-Jane Foley, includes butterfly images, poems and messages from famous names and is available for £25. A limited edition book costs £100 and includes one piece of original artwork submitted. All profits from book sales go to Leukaemia Research.

To find out more, or to buy the Butterfly Book please visit
www.leukaemiashop.com or email order@leukaemiashop.com.

Styleshake Turns Eco

Check out this little number that I whipped up on Styleshake, the website where you can play fashion designer and have your new dress delivered to your door in only 10 days.  They have just introduced an ‘eco jersey’ which you can knock up into a style of your choice. Gets my vote!

Planet Skincare

Now I’m not a fan of any kind of plastic surgery, botox or anything else artificial which can potentially damage our bodies. But when I heard about Planet Skincare (nature’s answer to botox), even I was just a little bit intrigued as to how this works.

The serum and the moisturiser are meant to be used together to acheive the best results and used over 28 days, the products really take effect. The serum contains algae, vitamins and minerals to tighten and firm the skin on contact. The face cream rejuvenates collagen in the skin, provides essential skin nutrients, is free of parabens and has not been tested on animals.

Over a trial of 2 weeks, my skin definately looks firmer, more refined and I look less tired which has to be an achievement. This product is great for a natural alternative to chemical anti-ageing treatments, I can imagine many women loving this healthier substitute.

Heels That Take You Places

Check out these achingly gorgeous ‘Patch’ Terra Plana shoes, which I have been actually wearing and not falling over in / taking off because they hurt.

I can normally constantly be seen in flat shoes because I find the practicalities of wearing heels, 1. limiting, 2. painful, 3. embarrasing (has anyone seen me walk in heels? Oh dear).

But even I cannot fault the leg lengthening, posture improving and flattering quality of a good pair of heels, and now (fingers crossed) it seems that even me and the countless other clumsy-limbed humans amongst us can wear these extremely comfy, sturdy, heeled! shoes. Made using eco memory foam, vegetable tanned leathers and recycled rice rubber with secret grips on the base (I kid you not) I can finally walk in heels without looking ridiculous.

Lavera Suncream at Latitude

Fresh back from Latitude Festival, I took the chance to try out Lavera’s First And Only Natural Mineral Sunscreen Range In Line With New EC And Colipa Recommendations on my pale skin throughout the 4 day festival. Camping in a field with limited washing facilities can play havoc with your skin over a period of time so I decided to give this new product a go.

Here’s the how the new mineral sunscreen works: Together with titanium dioxide, which also acts as a natural sunlight reflector, these mineral ingredients are coated with Stearic Acid (from coconut oil) rendering the particles inactive i.e. they cannot penetrate the skin. The lotions also contain skin-caring, cold-pressed organic sunflower oil, organic shea butter, organic calendula extracts, organic aloe vera gel, vitamins A, C and E, organic rose petal and lavender essences, and organic almond and jojoba oils.

This suncream will also start working the minute it hits your skin unlike conventional sunscreens, which means that you can just apply and go knowing that your skin is cared for, protected and chemical-free.

If it’s too late for your skin and you’ve already caused skin damage, then apply this pronto. It works!