Ethical Outfit Inspiration: Spring Edition

Howdy folks, Sarah here again! :)

Hands up if you're looking forward to spring? *waves hands wildly in the air* I know I'm probably not the only person who's ready to see the back of all this miserable weather we've been having - it's starting to get silly now, I'm half expecting to see an ark appear overnight...

With that in mind I've put together a couple of ethical spring fashion inspiration boards - as I stare out of the window at the relentless downpour - to try and bring a bit of sunshine back into our lives!

All of these items are ethically sourced, proving that you can be fashionable while still being kind to the environment :) Phew! First up, we've got the spring in the sun board...

watch | striped top | raincoat | mittens | floral trousers | shoes | bag | scarf 

How beautiful is that wooden watch, by the way? I'm totally in love. Spring to me means layers, comfortable (closed toe!) shoes and a bit of warmth that you can take off when the sun unexpectedly shows it face (plus a sturdy bag to carry everything in). I'm digging these floral trousers - enough to keep you warm without feeling too hot and sweaty (no jeans here, thank you).

But because I know the weather is very rarely perfect in the UK (and definitely hardly ever perfect in Wales!) I've also put together a spring in the rain board! :) Much as I'd like to believe it, I really don't think we've seen the last of the wet weather just yet...

dress | mittens | raincoat | bag | socks | wellies | tights | cardigan | bobble hat

Secretly this is my favourite of the two (you all know how I feel about yellow so that shouldn't be a surprise) - I mean, how adorable are those socks, right? 

If you're looking at this and thinking "a dress? In the rain?!" hear me out: what's worse to be wet and cold in - a pair of jeans that instantly adhere themselves to your legs or a pair of tights that you can whip off and replace quickly? (Just keep a spare pair in your bag and you're on you're way to instant cosiness should you get drenched).

Layers are great for the rain, too - so pull on your cardigan over the top and a nice waterproof raincoat to seal the deal. Now all you need is wellies and you can splash about in all the puddles with no fear of getting your sock wet - yay! :)

If you need more inspiration you can always check out the Hubbards Cupboard ethical fashion board on Pinterest! :)

Love

Sarah

Ethical Party Outfit Inspiration

Sarah here again! :) I can't believe how quickly this year how flown by - how is Christmas party season upon us already?! It seems like just yesterday it was June but apparently the calendar I'm using is way off because it's almost December people and that means you're probably starting to think about what you're going to wear to all of those Christmas dos you've been invited to. 

If you're anything like me you're also starting to panic a little bit about it but worry not, I'm here to help! :)

At this time of year the shops are full to bursting with fast fashion - cheap to buy but also cheaply made - but these pieces aren't always designed to last. Instead of buying a dress that you'll wear once and then realise it's falling apart slightly (we've all been there right?) I've put together a couple of outfit choices made entirely from ethical fashion pieces. It can be done! :)

If you normally spend your money on throwaway pieces, I challenge you to buy something from an ethical retailer instead - boost your wardrobe and your karma! :)

First up I've put together a look for the bold among you - shorts! Patterns! Crop tops! Before you write this outfit off as unwearable or only for the skinny among you: those gorgeous shorts are high waisted and everyone knows that patterns are born to clash with each other. Don't be afraid to mix it up a bit this year (tights optional if you're brave enough to face the weather!).

Kimino | Bralet top | Shorts | Polka dot clutch bag | Earrings | Copper necklace | Floral heels

I've also put together a look featuring a gorgeous (& flattering to most shapes!) dress, in case the thought of wearing shorts in December leaves you feeling a bit chilly. It's okay - I understand.

Cardigan | Striped dress | 1940s Vintage clutch | Diamond earrings | Triangle necklace | Glitter heels | Panda brooch

If you prefer not to wear real diamonds then try this quirky 'diamond' pair of earrings instead (I love these!). Add in a pair of vegan shoes, splurge on a 1940s clutch if you can afford it and you should have an outfit for every occasion :) 

What are you wearing to your Christmas party this year? If you're struggling to find ethical retailers to take your pennies then let me know in the comments and I'll do my best to find you something amazing. After all, everyone deserves to look amazing no matter what the occasion, right? :)

Love

Sarah

Time off

This weekend marks my official last Wedding dress of the year, meaning I have some time to concentrate on my little collection.

I'm super excited to finally get these made up. I've been designing and re-designing the collection for at least 6 months and I hope it will give me a challenge and show exactly what I'm capable of with designing to execution.

Anyway, now that I've got a few spare minutes, I thought I'd share some pictures I took while away in Spain, I'm absolutely dying to do pop back over for a (very dangerous) photo shoot in an abandoned villa!

     

 

I love the contrast in Spain, the beautiful colors in the flowers to the derelict, abandoned building sites and villas.. Makes for some good photos! But unfortunately I forgot my camera so these ones are off my little broken phone :)

xoxo

♥

Hello, I'm Sophie...

Remember me? I've been hibernating for a little while to get the new shop on track and all of our lovely brides looking beautiful for their individual special days! After all, it's mid wedding season and I've been super busy creating the dresses of dreams

So much so, that it's been a little while since I've got to design anything for myself! Inspiration has been everywhere with wonderful brides sending me image after image, Paris Haute Couture fashion week (always excited to see Marchesa!) and endless Autumn/Winter 13/14 updates in all the magazines, but with being booked up until mid August isn't giving me much time to get drawing.

Marchesa - Pre collection S/S 14

After having a lovely read of Lionheart Magazine today (available in store!) it's got me more inspired than ever. The wonderful interviews with artists and makers, couple and founders of The Green Kitchen, an account of a week in New York (the travel bug starts biting whenever I read about NY) and a wonderful illustrated article on Silhouette, the magazine is packed full of interesting people and ideas.

To be honest, I'm not entirely sure where I'm getting at with this! With 2 beautiful dresses being collected tomorrow, a lot of weight is off my shoulders! Maybe i'll fit in a little time to design soon, after all I'm a midnight designer! Hopefully to be made before the end of year...

♥

New blog, same philosophy.

After a short period away from the blogosphere, the E&W blog has come back stronger than ever! We have a lot of stories and tips to share, and we are very determined to continue our quest to promote ethical fashion!
Those that have been following E&W already know that our creativity is fuelled by unwanted materials. We love to work with old fabrics and vintage garments in need of a makeover, and it is truly inspiring to find that more and more people are beginning to share this passion!
Ethical fashion is no longer a trend followed by few. Big institutions like The Victoria and Albert Museum have already opened their online doors to this debate, and are helping to promote amazing projects: the Wardrobe Refashion is one of them.

The project, created by Nichola Prested, was designed to lead people to commit to 2, 4 or 6 months of high-street shopping abstinence! Instead of buying new, people were encouraged to make their own, buy second hand or buy handmade.

Sadly the Wardrobe Refashion is no longer active, but the idea lives on and it's still very inspiring!

Love is in the air

Hubbard's Cupboard has gone into Valentines mode with Something Kinda Cute's irresistible kissing booth! So grab your other half and pop in for a smooch and a pic!

A throwback to the beginning…

After a wonderful, inspirational chat with Catarina of Mrs.Crafting today, it’s a little post about our original inspiration point for E&W!

Having just started researching and guest posting for Something Kinda Cute’s new wedding blog (here) I loved the idea of Catarina giving us a helping hand with ours too! Seeing as I constantly complain about the lack of time and inspiration!

After our little chat about what we’d like the blog to revolve around - ethical fashion seemed to be the biggest presence. After all, that is what we’re all about! It got us thinking about a recent project that was done to discover people’s emotional attachments to their garments. Don’t pretend like you don’t have one - whether it’s a lucky pair of socks or your mum’s cardy, we’ve all got a special item of clothing that we just can’t seem to shake off.

The great thing about making clothes from old items (be it curtains or garments) is that they all come with a story…

When we first started E&W, piecing together bits and bobs to create our dresses we gave them their own identities. It started as a bit of a fun, but as it turned out people really loved reading about where their dresses story!

So, a throwback to the old it is! We’re heading back to our roots, letting you all know the stories behind your dresses, where they’ve come from so that hopefully you can add to it!

We’d love to hear about all your stories and attachments to your clothes!

Advent Art

We’re loving the Christmassy feel around Cardiff and with the temperatures dropping it’s time everyone else started feeling the Christmas spirit too! Alongside our Handmade Christmas Campaign, we’ve obviously made our Christmas a very Handmade one indeed. We’ve been busy making lots of little bits for the shop and we decided every shop needs an advent calendar!

Rolling with our very ‘natural’ Christmas theme, we’ve stuck to hessian, lace, cinnamon and flowers. The natural brown and cream colors aren’t necessarily associated with Christmas, but I think that’s what makes it look so special!

We covered a board with hessian, popped it in a vintage frame and strung some lovely vintage lace across. Each tag has been pegged onto the lace, individually done with numbers on the back ready to turn around each day!

Hope you like it! Would love to see your advent calendars this Christmas, who opts for something a little different (and less sugary!)?

Monday Mood Board

It's official, I’m going to start my own little trend to help me get motivated!

After a day of work, I’m going to come back and get myself in the creative mood ready for the rest of the week by having a good ‘ol internet troll and choosing the most inspiring images…

Now usually I work on a Monday, but today I've been restoring my health after this flu has got the better of me and I've been trying to work through it for the fair yesterday! So I've had plenty of time to think… and this is what I've decided!

So here it is! The first Monday mood board.