Ethical Fashion

Outfit:
Orange full skirt dress: River Island via eBay
Black vintage kelly handbag: Carboot
Vintage silk scarf: Beyond Retro
Blue cameo necklace: Charity shop
Black cardigan: Primark
Black faux suede smoking slippers: Next

This post is part of a competition entry for the Ethical Fashion blog. The competition is open to all fashion bloggers so why not pop over to Style Eyes Ethical Fashion blog to find out more. The prizes are amazing! The only rule is at least one item of your outfit must be upcycled, vintage, second hand, ethical fashion shops, from a jumble, carboot or charity shop.

I must admit I have not fully jumped onto the ethical fashion bandwagon just yet. I am still in the stage of liking to have lots of things rather than just a few things. I am still a fast fashion kinda of girl. I have however fully hopped onto the charity shop and vintage bandwagon and can't see me getting off anytime soon.

It has always been a running joke amongst my friends that I dress like a granny. It's no secret that I lust over things from the bygone eras. As much as I love spending hours in a vintage shop I hate the prices. What do they have to be so darn expensive? Hence why I tend to get most of my vintage from charity shops and carboots. I love the fact that the items have a history behind them and the fact that they are originals. It is so much nicer actually owning a bag from the 1960's rather than having a replica from Topshop. Of course there is always the plus of wearing something that no one else has, I have often been out and spotted someone in the same dress as me. Oh the shame!

This post reminds me how I need to make more of an effort to visit charity shops to pick up some goodies! Nothing beats a charity shop binge.

What are your opinions on ethical fashion? Do you frequent charity shops?

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Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser - Review

Since working in London my skin has suffered. The grime has not been my friend. For the first time in my life I have been suffering with breakouts and greasy hair. So when I was kindly contacted by Liz Earle offering me the chance to review their famous clense and polish cleanser I jumped at the chance. I was given this quite a few weeks ago but wanted to nearly finish the bottle so that I can give it a full and honest review.

I must admit that I am not beauty expert but I am all game for trying out new things. I spend far too much money on my local Boots buying any new potions and lotions that I can get my grubby mitts on.

I was gifted the starter set which comes complete with two muslin cloths costing £13.75. I have been using the cleanser at least once a day for the past few months. I try to do it twice a day but sometimes my bed shouts at me too much at the end of the night so I have to give it a miss. It feels lovely and luxurious on my skin. I think this is down to the fact it contains cocoa butter. This is my all time favourite ingredient, my boyfriend always comments on the fact that I smell like milky bars!

The website states that it "quickly removes daily grime and make up to leave skin clean, soft and radiant." The cleanser contains rosemary, chamomile, hops and eucalyptus. It has two stages. First you massage the cleanser into your skin and then you rinse the muslin cloth in warm water to "polish".

My skin has really benefited and I have really noticed the difference. My skin feels so soft and I haven't experience any tightness on my skin, a problem that I have experienced with a few cleansers. I haven't been using it to take my make up off as I prefer to use wipes but as a cleanser I can't fault it. I am a sucker for packaging, it has to really grab me in the shop. I think the Liz Earle range looks sleek and expensive and it looks fab on my dressing table. I love the idea of using a muslin cloth as it feels so much more better on my skin than cotton wool. It doesn't feel as harsh and it is great that it is reusuable. Helping the environment and all that jazz!

I am a complete and utter convert. I am dreading the day that this runs out and will be hot-footing it over to the Liz Earle website to repurchase. While I am at it I might cheekily treat myself to the toner and moisturiser. Hurry up payday!

Once again, like a broken record, so sorry for the quality of pictures. Still no camera!

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Vero Moda Lookbook Spring/Summer '12

While I have been assisting on Junior I have been lucky enough to be able to tag along to some press shows with the fashion assistant. As a result I have been collecting lots of lookbooks and it is making me yearn for some sunshine so I can wear the pretty clothes.

One of the press shows that caught my eye was Vero Moda. I have vaguely been aware of it after spotting it on various blogs and flicking through clothes on ASOS. With Alexa Chung just announced as the face of the brand, it's profile is only going to explode.

This flamingo dress (due to be launched in March) caught my eye straight away. I feel like I should be holidaying in Miami with a cocktail in one hand laying on a sun lounger. I am a sucker for animal prints, they just seem so wonderfully kitsch.

I am so pleased to see that midi lengths are going to be on trend for yet another season. It really is my perfect skirt. I am loving the tie dye effect on this skirt (also coming out in March). This whole outfit just seems brilliant for holidays in the sun.

This is the sort of dress that I wish I was cool enough to pull off (delivered into stores in Feburary). It just seems so fashion forward and I love the colour blocked. Hang onto your coloured jeans for another season girls, you will need them to work the trends in the summer!

I love the hot pink clutch peaking out from under the models arm. It really makes the outfit go pop! Does lace ever go out of fashion? These cream lace shorts are so cute and are available from March.

What has caught your eye at Vero Moda? Would you be interested in seeing some more of the different look books?

P.S Sorry about the dark images, I took pictures of pictures!

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