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.

Beauty Products to Carry the FAIRTRADE Mark for First Time

The Fairtrade Foundation has announced the first beauty products to carry the FAIRTRADE Mark in the UK. From now onwards, the public will be able to buy Fairtrade beauty products including lip balms, face masks, body butters and shower gels from 5 companies including Boots, Bubble & Balm, Essential Care, Lush and Neal’s Yard.

Each beauty product contains one or more Fairtrade certified ingredient such as cocoa butter, shea nut butter, sugar or brazil nut oil, benefitting disadvantaged producers from countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.  To date, 57 beauty products have been licensed by the Fairtrade Foundation and it is expected that many more will follow.

La Luminata has been trying out some of these great new Fairtrade Certified products and will report back on their effectiveness.

The first product that we dabbled with, is hot pink Lush’s Fairtrade Lotion, containing spearmint and peppermint essential oils to soothe and cool your feet. Arnica and marigold herbs improve the condition of your skin. For best results, slap this on and relax for five minutes for party-ready feet.

Miss Eco Glam Interviews La Luminata

The lovely Anna has interviewed me for Miss Eco Glam. To find a little more about what motivates and moves me, click here.

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.

Natasha Bailie & Amy Phipps Launch New Clothing Line

Congratulations to Natasha Bailie & Amy Phipps who have succesfully launched their first collection of vintage reproduction dresses made from vintage and reclaimed material. La Luminata got up close and personal with the new clothing range and can conclude that the shape and fit is authentic to the 40’s and 50’s era in gorgeous and wearable soft colours of blue, yellow, pink and green. The quality and attention to detail, plus the fact that you can order your very own made to measure dress makes this a one-of-a-kind treat, for any girl looking for something a bit special. I predict the Phipps, Bailie collaboration growing much further…

Follow Me…

to the Ethical Fashion Forum’s new networking site, where like minded ethical and eco fashion people can connect, discover and collaborate. I look forward to meeting you…

Style With Substance

Kate Taleyour is my latest favourite discovery combining ethical values with luxe style.  The collection is produced entirely in the UK, maintaining a low carbon footprint and incorporates fair-trade cottons and silk from India and Nepal as well as organic silk organza.

Sneak Peak…La Luminata Collaborates With Photographer Sean Collymore

Here’s a glimpse into my most recent collaborational project with photographer, Sean Collymore, featuring wares from Ophelia Fancy, Hetty Rose, Rachel Darbourne and Natasha Bailie. The day itself could not have been more perfect, not to mention our gorgeous model Dom who was a total star…dreamy.

Blossom & Bloom

Skincare company Skin Blossom, have released their first range ‘Organic Bloom’. The cost-effective range features great organic skincare basics which are chemical-free, biodegrable and contain no GM ingredients. The range is purse-friendly, effective and long-lasting, perfect for taking your first steps into using organic skincare products.  I strongly reccomend the gentle cleansing milk which removes every last trace of make up leaving the skin calm and nourished.

Soul of Africa, These Shoes Save Lives

Check out these cute shoes which have been made by communities around Durban in Kwazula Natal, where the AIDS infection rate is highest (2 million children already carry the HIV virus in South Africa),

The new footwear collection ‘Soul of Africa’ gives hope to thousands of women and children affected by HIV and Aids in Africa. For every pair of Soul of Africa shoes sold, all profit goes directly to the upkeep and schooling of young orphans, themselves often not infected, but who have tragically lost their parents to AIDS. Buy a pair here.