Stripped Bare Fashion

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Brands, services and ideas we love… and we hope you’ll love them too!

Key boot trends for Winter 2020

Looking to update your wardrobe with this season’s best ethical boots… have a look at these:

Lotus boots from Matisse Footwear

Military

Chunky, black boots have been all over the catwalk this season, and seem to be styled with everything from silk dresses to camo joggers.

Fancy stomping around in a pair of combat boots? These Lotus boots from Matisse Footwear come in brown, black and white, and cost $95USD plus shipping to your door. A sturdy investment for years to come, military styling seems to come in and out of fashion every few years… just remember to store them safely once you’re sick of them (clean, polish, wrap in a fabric bag) and feel the joy when, in another few years time, you want to go military again and you already own the perfect boots!

Learn more about Matisse Footwear’s values here.

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Sleeve boot in olive

Knee High

What’s not to love about knee high boots? Knee highs with a heel give the illusion of legs that go on forever and shamelessly channel Victoria Beckham’s understated chic. Even the flattest, most sensible varieties are kinda sexy while at the same time really warm (especially with a lovely thick pair of knee high socks underneath! Sexy and sensible??)

Dear Frances shoes and boots have been a big hit with stylish celebs like Margot Robbie, the Hadid sisters, Kaia Gerber, Selena Gomez, Zoe Kravitz, Emma Roberts and Sienna Miller, to name drop just a few. Their beautiful craftsmanship is regularly reviewed: great styles and comfortable heels which will see you through a day on your feet. These are Sleeve boots in Olive, though also available in a beautiful low-sheen black and creamy-rich oyster, retailing for £720.

Read about how and why slow fashion is at the dear heart of Dear Frances.

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Aigle Polka Giboulee waterproof boots

Waterproof

Ok, not so much a trend, but an essential part of a working Winter wardrobe, especially if you walk dogs, or stand on the sidelines of football/rugby/netball games. I’m talking properly warm and 100% waterproof.

These Aigle boots – Polka Giboulee in New Noir, currently £70 – are, in my humble opinion, and following quite exhaustive research, the perfect combination of substance and style. Made from natural rubber with a faux fur lining and insole, they also have the lovely quilted top which can be tightened to your calf to keep your toes extra toasty and dry. The heel is good… the grip is good… they’ve got it all.

If they’re not you’re style, Aigle are still worth looking at… tall, short, wide, thin, gloss, gloss quilted, gloss croc!, loads of different colours and shapes to suit everyone. Price wise, they vary. In a sale, I’ve seen these in a navy colour way for less than £50, mid-priced boots are £70-£125, their capsule collaboration (if you want to go gloss croc!) is £220.

Like lots of ethical fashion investments, waterproof boots are perfect to buy at the end of the season, who knows, they could drop by half price or more making your waterproof boot investment a bargain at the same time.

Aigle boots are all made in France by master craftspeople, using natural rubber. More information on their heritage and legacy is here.

Obv, not everyone is going to have the budget to invest in “designer wellies” but as ever, don’t assume that just because a pair of wellies (or anything else) is expensive, it’s been made with care for the environment or the people who made it. For example, Hunter wellies, which you could be forgiven for thinking were quintessentially British, have not been manufactured in the UK for over a decade, having moved production to the far east in 2008. According to Ethical Consumer magazine, Hunter Boot Ltd is “least engaged in sustainable fashion”, gets the “worst ethical consumer rating for environmental reporting”, “operates in oppressive regimes” and “140 staff were taken to hospital from one warehouse in four years.”

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Alohas East boots in off white

White boots and riding boots

I’m sure I have it on good authority that one should never wear white shoes… but clearly 2020 is a year to update the fashion rule book!

These gorgeous East boots from Alohas (€246.00 on pre-order) tick the box for two of this season’s best trends: white boots AND riding boots. They come in off white (shown), lilac, burgundy and croco brown. (More croc! Clearly a trend in itself!)

Alohas are proud pioneers of a new, eco-conscious on demand production model. Not only does reducing over-production minimise waste and landfill, it also reduces the cost of delivering higher quality, luxury design. Read more about Alohas social and environmental credentials here.

An expertly crafted pair of boots like these will literally last for decades if you clean them and care for the leather, so if you’re well stocked in black and brown boots and fancy adding an unusual colour to your wardrobe, now’s your chance.

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Rojas Tall Boot in Tobacco suede

Suede boots

If boho is your vibe, you need to get a pair of slouchy suede boots. Let me introduce you to Rojas Tall Boot in Tobacco Suede for £143, from ABLE.

Suede can take a bit more care and effort to look after than standard leather, but the pay off is its peach-fuzz softness and the subtle retro style it lends to an outfit.

The best tip for suede is to buy a good waterproofing spray and spray before wear. Follow the instructions on the can – if it says spray twice, spray twice – and let it dry completely before you go out. If you happen to get mud on suede boots, let it dry, then use a wire suede brush to gently clean it off. At the end of the season brush them thoroughly all the way to the top, gently rubb of any marks with a slightly damp cloth and store them somewhere dry. Before you wear them the following winter, spray them with waterproof spray again…

ABLE is an ethical fashion brand that employs and empowers women as a solution to end poverty. Find out more about their commitment to the people all along their supply chain.

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Other brands making conscious winter boots in styles you might like are:

Collection + Co – gorgeous capsule collection of shoes and boots featuring both classic styles and this season’s trends. Affordable too, and vegan.

Beyond Skin – “genuinely not leather” vegan shoes and boots. Loads of you’d-never-know-it-was-faux leather and suede in a wide variety of timeless shapes and styles.

Rockfish – huge variety of wellies (tall, short, adjustable, Chelsea boot style, matt, gloss, kids’, mens’… have a look) All made in the UK from natural rubber.

Taylor + Thomas – “radical luxury”, edgy luxe shoes and boots.

Green Shoes – small but colourful range of sturdy flat boots, expertly crafted in Dartmoor.

October 1, 2020
AmaElla

Beautiful organic cotton pyjama set… dreamy floaty!

First and foremost, AmaElla lingerie is beautiful.

A quick look at their Instagram or website will show you an artful combination of strong and delicate colours and patterns. Deep navy velvet trim on crisp white linen sits alongside delicate florals in lilac and blue and the softest blush pink… and (spoiler alert) there’s red to come. Sounds like I have inside information? I do, but more about that later.

Luckily, the enticing look of AmaElla’s nightwear and underwear is matched by how it feels. You’re going to want to put it on. I’d describe it as the perfect balance between thickness and softness to feel lovely against the skin without compromising on support.

Each piece is designed to make a female body look and feel its best. Careful consideration has been given to front opening bras and knickers with a tie on the side. Everything is flexible and comfortable – no underwires or spiky catches anywhere.

And guess what else… AmaElla have asked me to work with them!

It was such a privilege to take part in a recent shoot for their upcoming product launches and meet some of the people behind the brand, including brand co-founder Lara Miller. Lara has clearly been passionate about the environment for some time. She described how her knowledge of the massive polluting effects of conventional cotton production combined with an eye-opening experience volunteering in Madagascan marine conservation gave rise to the idea of creating organic cotton lingerie.

Super soft and comfy and made from organic cotton

Environmental sustainability

AmaElla’s commitment to sustainability is multi-faceted. Their lingerie is made using GOTS certified organic cotton and prints are created using GOTS certified printing. You can read an explanation of both here.

Also of major environmental impact is the lifespan of each product. It’s shocking to know that according to a report in the Mail Online, most garments are worn as few as seven times each before being sent to landfill or donated to a charity store in the unlikely hope that someone else will treasure our trash.

You’ll be pleased to know then that AmaElla’s garments are created with a view to durability and longevity. From sourcing the best quality fabrics to the skillful design and fitting process and meticulous construction AmaElla promise their goodies are as good as new even after 50 washes!

Who made AmaElla’s lingerie? These people… these actual, real, hardworking, skilfull people

Social responsibility

To date, AmaElla have partnered with garment manufacturers in the UK and Portugal, to support the development of valuable skills in safe, properly paid careers. Both partners have a focus on providing opportunities and training to young women.

Body positivity

So, how can I help a brand which seems to have everything so thoroughly sorted? As well as spreading the word here, I’ll be featuring in their social media as well as sharing my favourite pieces and images from the shoot via Instagram. Yes! As well as all their other admirable qualities, AmaElla are totally body and age positive, choosing to promote their brand using a diverse range of models and aiming to make us all feel great about ourselves. To say I’m nervous about seeing my 46-year-old, post-six-baby-body on screen is an understatement! But I love the brand and all it stands for so much that I’m doing it anyway.

The bottom line

AmaElla: sensuous, organic lingerie… thoughtfully designed… well made… with maximum positive social impact and environmental sustainability right at the heart of every lovely piece.

Shop AmaElla here

See AmaElla on Instagram here

January 16, 2020
iLE AiYE knitwear

Cherylline Price from iLE AiYE knitwear wearing a signature oversized knit

Handmade knits…

At the heart of any ethical fashion winter wardrobe has to be a collection of knitwear. From super-snuggly angora for the snowiest days to lightweight trans-seasonal pieces that give your summer clothes an extra few weeks of wear, knitwear is an absolute must have.

And if, like me, you love the eclectic charm of handknits but lack the skills to craft them yourself, a great place to start looking is Etsy. It was on Etsy – while searching for “ethical oversized handknits” – that I first stumbled across iLE AiYE.

Meet iLE AiYE and Cherylline Price

Meaning “house of life” or “mother earth” iLE AiYE knits are the creative outpourings of Cherylline Price. Everything about the brand seems personal including the photographic journey she shares about her own life, travels, family and philosophies. Cherylline is designer and stylist as well as the hands that knit each garment and the model you see in all her online images.

Yellow colour pop!

Dividing her time between London and Ibiza, it seems Cherylline is almost always taking orders… no doubt travelling everywhere with a big bag of needles and yarn, constantly keeping an eye out for new colours and materials to incorporate into whatever she’s dreaming up next.

Cherylline describes her style as “original loose knit grunge”… I think they’re a bit magical too!

Warm enough for a London Winter

iLE AiYE’s Alpaca sweater dress: practically cold-proof!

For incredible warmth, invest in an Alpaca sweater dress which can be worn on the hip, or eased down to mid thigh. There’s a great selection of styles and shapes – sweaters, cardigans, ponchos – in colours ranging from muted naturals to vibrant yellows, greens and blues. iLE AiYE’s relaxed detailing is what really make her pieces so fab… like the voluminous sleeves which taper to perfectly fitted cuffs, and super-sized roll necks which almost double up as a matching snood.

There are also chunky, cool hats and scarves which you can order to match or contrast as you prefer

Cool enough for Ibiza

If London life is represented by her cosy range of woollies, Cherylline’s Ibiza life is also apparent in her collection! Think beach dresses which go straight to the dancefloor and spiderweb-fine coveralls and shrugs, perfect for sliding on over a bikini or simple tank dress.

Want an iLE AiYE knit of your own??

Visit Cherylline’s Etsy store to check out the range… there are loads to choose from, or you can request something custom made in your favourite colour or yarn.

iLE AiYE garments are made to order, so allow for a little time and consider these pieces as long-term investments. Wear and wash carefully for years of quirky, relaxed style and comfort… and expect to get asked #whomadeyourclothes!

♥

Love this! I always get compliments when I wear my green oversized sweater from iLE AiYE

February 5, 2019
Monkee Genes

Monkee Genes: everything you could ask for in an ethical denim jeans brand, and very loud and proud about promoting their values.

The first thing you see when you open a parcel from Monkey Genes is one big, bold label announcing…

‘No slave labour, no child labour, no blood, no sweat, no tears.’

…doesn’t that make you happy?

Because this is a website about ethical fashion, let’s talk ethics first. Monkee Genes was founded in by Phil Wildbore who “wanted to prove that there is such a thing as looking fashionable whilst supporting sustainability”. Denim garments are notoriously difficult to produce in a social and environmentally responsible way, but by using organic cotton and sourcing GOTS Certified factories, Monkee Genes are able to reduce the negative impact of their products on everyone along the supply chain.

From the cotton farmer who isn’t getting lungs full of chemicals and is able to fairly trade his product; the habitat and biofauna that aren’t getting doused with insecticides; the people who handle, spin and transform the cotton into denim; and those turning swathes of fabric into pairs of jeans… Monkee Genes are putting ethics at the heart of their production.

“We work hard to protect the people who make our clothes, working closely with our factories to ensure safe working conditions and a decent living wage. Our commitment to ethics paired with a innovative fits offers a point of difference to the denim market. All organic, all ethically produced, all fairly made!” Round of applause here please.

Now let’s talk fashion…

Something for EVERYONE!! I’ve been buying Monkee Genes since I first became properly aware of ethical fashion, in 2010. Their range has increased and improved over that time, and their fabric and fit has remained superb. My one gripe with them was that they didn’t do a high waist… but now they do!! Hello Jane (see above!), the perfect jean in every way!

Whatever ever your preferred fit is, choose from a variety of colours and washes, and make sure they’re perfect for you with either a regular or long cut.

And there’s even more styles for men to choose from…

Pricing is very reasonable too and might even make you question why designer jeans with unknown provenance could possibly cost so much more…

Me and my gal, Lila, in our Monkee Genes jeans

January 31, 2019
Katharine Hamnett

There are sooooo many reasons to love Katharine Hamnett!

…because she has been sassy forever, advising the world on all the biggest issues via slogan t-shirts: From CHOOSE LIFE in 1981 to CHOOSE LOVE in 2017 with EDUCATION NOT MISSILES, WORLDWIDE NUCLEAR BAN NOW, PEACE, SAVE THE WORLD, SAVE OUR SEAS, SAVE THE FUTURE and CANCEL BREXIT to name just a few others.

…because she campaigned voraciously for sustainability and social responsibility in the fashion industry from 1989 making her an ethical fashion pioneer. Read her short and simple commitment to ethical manufacture here, which shows exactly what’s wrong with the hugely lengthy and complex ethical policies of most mainstream fashion retailers. ie they use a load of words to say nothing!

…because when her hugely popular licensed slogans and garments were unable to be manufactured in a way that met her standards she chose to withdraw from mainstream fashion and concentrate on activism, campaigning and charity work.

…because even though there has been progress on environmental and social fronts, there is a load still to do, and she’s STILL out there doing it.

…because style icons like Mick Jagger, Princess Diana and Madonna adored her way back when.

…AND because she came striding back into mainstream fashion with a timelessly chic, unisex range in 2017 and earned a whole new generation of fans (and yes, of course it’s sustainable and ethically produced (in Italy).

Her latest offerings are as fresh as her style was in the 80’s. Katharine Hamnett garments are well made and built to last both in appearance and durability. Classic pieces like women’s white shirts, well cut blazers and tailored denim sit alongside stunning day-to-evening silk pieces and her hallmark activist t-shirts. Menswear appears largely utilitarian: organic cotton sweats and t’s, the coolest in long-life work trousers and outerwear… but be prepared for some flamboyant surprises like the Redford red silk onesie?!?

January 30, 2019
Acne Studios

Suddenly, we all want Acne…

Acne Studios is an ethical ready-to-wear fashion brand which features sublimely quirky tailoring and an eclectic mix of custom-developed fabrics. You get the feeling that every detail on every garment is unique to the brand, down to the last oversized button, asymmetrical collar or monogrammed feature-zipper. It’s a bold brand – you won’t find someone else wearing something similar from a different label – with a quintessentially Scandi feeling.

Acne Studios green Powder Parka – the warmest coat for the coldest days!

Acne Studios produce men and women’s clothing ranges, footwear and accessories, as well as sturdy and colourful children’s basics. I think of their adult clothing pieces as statements: there’s nothing shy about them! Creative Director Jonny Johansson’s captures the edginess of contemporary art and culture, but although his style is very much cutting-edge, it is well worn on younger and older people alike.

Ethical outerwear

My personal favourite range has to be their ethical outerwear. Invest in a super-luxe anorak or trench coat and you’ll be seeing off the cold in style for years to come. It’s not cheap, but it couldn’t possibly be! It’s too rich in every detail to come at a bargain price.

Check their credentials…

Acne Studios are proud members of the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) since 2008. Have a read of their Corporate social responsibility policy and even review their Social report and FWF Brand performance check, from links on the same page.

Spread the word!

Let me know if you love Acne Studios… what’s in your wardrobe and what’s on your wishlist? kate@strippedbarefashion.com or @stripped.bare.fashion

Eclectic luxe from Acne Studios – images from acnestudios.com

January 30, 2019
PICO pants

There’s ethical fashion which isn’t as bad as fast fashion, and then there’s ethical fashion which is beautiful, inspiring and thoroughly lovable. PICO is the latter.

Before we even start talking pants, you have to pop over to their website and have a look at the story of how their product is made… It strikes me that the first image is of organic cotton seeds, but they are not seeds alone, they are in the hands of the farmer who sows then. He/ She is the very first person in so many garment supply chains, whose life is undoubtedly improved by not being exposed to chemical farming. And on the story goes, through each process, detailing how PICO choose to minimise environmental impact and maximise social responsibility.

After their pants are constructed in a Fairtrade factory in India, they are shipped to the UK and appear online, ready for us to buy. When they arrive you’ll even find the packaging thoughtful, stylish and simple!

Men’s trunks

I was lucky enough to stumble across the PICO team at Fare Healthy, in 2016. I bought a pair of trunks for my boyfriend, who loved them so much he bought another three, and then another three and then another! He’s such a fan. Their “dark-navy grey” (which I have until researching this post thought was black) Trunk Shorts are really soft, comfortable and well fitting with a front pocket opening, and their New Trunks are slightly slimmer and fly-free.

Women’s knickers and briefs

I can’t say generally that I’m a fan of Big Knickers… or at least I wasn’t until my dear friend and Pilates teacher, Suzi, told me how confronting it is at times when her Pilates students bend and stretch in almost any kind of legging. Are you with me on the visual? (ie even if you prefer scanty panties for general wear, spare a thought for exercise instructors and consider investing in some of these…)

So I bought myself a couple of pairs for decency, and have to say, whether it’s the beautiful cut or the super soft organic fabric they’re made from, PICO pants can’t be beaten for comfort.

Naturally, I bought Suzi a couple of pairs of PICO pants for her birthday and she is now a convert too.

More than just pants… about PICO

PICO pants looks to be the first project run by two fashion and ethics inspired women. On their website, it’s really interesting to read about their careers and business development to date, and to see the whole supply and production chain illustrated so clearly. Here’s hoping for more exciting projects from these two in the near future!

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Do you know an underwear retailer with great ethics at the heart of their business? We’re always looking for interesting brands to feature… check out our media page for more information and get in touch.

June 27, 2018
Nobody’s Child

Ethical fashion for teens and young people

While organic and ethical babies’ and children’s clothing abounds, it suddenly dries up once your child turns about ten. By the time you have a teenager, you are often left with few options that are nothing short of compromise. This brand saves the day.

Mums and Dads looking to help their teens make sweatshop free fashion choices are going to love this one… Nobody’s Child. And the best bit is, your teens are going to love it too! And they’ll keep loving it right up until their twenties and thirties… The dresses might not be lined, the back might not cover bra straps and the tops might reveal a midriff, but that’s what they are supposed to be like! Garments are well and consciously made and not intended for those of us with, let’s say more mature expectations from our clothing.

Having said that, I’ve borrowed a few Nobody’s Child pieces from my daughter and loved wearing them myself. I’ve also shopped their accessories – lots of cute bags and sunglasses – which make perfect presents for Tweens.

Edgy cuts and up to the minute styling…

My eldest daughter was actually the first person in our house to discover Nobody’s Child and couldn’t wait to sit me down in front of the computer to peruse their fashion forward range. Edgy cuts, up-to-the minute detailing and styling which shows you exactly how to wear their garment right now. It’s become very much the go-to brand for both my teenage daughters.

Eco credentials

Environmentally, Nobody’s Child promote their hatred of waste and control their production process from fabric design and dyeing to knitwear, all in their own factories in the UK, Europe and Asia. More information here on their ethical credentials.

I think you’ll love it because…

And if you – or your youngster – think you can’t afford ethical fashion, think again. These are well made, sweatshop free garments at high street prices.

Topping it all off, the Nobody’s Business magazine is a lot of fun with styling and lifestyle tips that appeal to anyone interested in social media, vlogging, styling and young women’s issues (#girlpower hello!) …and there’s 15% student discount.

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I’d love to hear about ethical fashion brands your young people love! Email me at kate@strippedbarefashion.com or visit the media page for more details.

June 26, 2018
Gudrun Sjödén

Though I’m never quite sure how to say it out loud, Gudrun Sjödén (Good-run Show-den?!) is one of my favourite ethical fashion brands. Not only are her clothes fresh with colour and pattern, she is an inspired pioneer of ethical and environmentally responsible clothing.

Way before the #fashionrevolution began, Gudrun was pairing quirky prints with her hallmark stripes and encouraging women of all shapes, sizes and ages to wear vibrant, stylish clothing.

It’s quintessential feel good fashion.

In a previous role I was a brand ambassador for Gudrun Sjödén and had the chance to discover not just her clothing and accessory ranges, but also her homewares: bright and beautiful doormats and towels; glossy ceramics and glassware; rugs to fill a room with colour and pattern… as well as dreamy bedding and tableware textiles.

In a fashion world so flooded with conformity, cheap fabrics and poorly made, disposable, fast fashion, Gudrun Sjödén’s range is a breath of fresh air. Her shapes are designed for comfort and durability, they’re the kind of clothes you’ll enjoy wearing for twenty years as the textures soften and age.

Though her loyal customers adore Gudrun’s colour explosion styling, for those with a little less everyday flamboyance than the Nordic designer herself, rest assured, it’s not the only way to wear her clothes. Many items come in muted and neutral shades (deep navy, slate grey, black and white) as well as the loveliest lolly brights and the richest hues from nature.

Gudrun Sjödén offers her customers the chance to be fearless and expressive with fashion! Use individual garments to add a colour pop or mix a loudly striped garment with denim or workwear.

Explore Gudrun Sjödén on their website, or order a catalogue for hard copy fashion and homewares inspiration. If you see yourself becoming a regular Gudrun Sjödén shopper, it’s worth investigating the perks of joining their club too… enjoy!

June 26, 2018
BaliElf shoes and bags

BaliElf Muse cuffed ballet flats come in nine different colours… and there are matchy matchy bags!

Sometimes a great place to start when searching for new ethical fashion brands is Etsy. Emerging brands who are testing the market often feature small runs of product there. I found BaliElf that way, looking for ethical sandals a few summers ago.

I really liked their distinctive boho style, the fact that their shoes and bags are made by hand to order (under fair trade conditions), and that they promise to only use the finest quality materials.

BaliElf midsummer sandals in Emerald

Ordering online for the first time always feels a bit risky, especially with shoes and the fact that they use American sizing, but I was encouraged by their helpful customer service team to send the measurements of my foot and they would make my shoes accordingly.

A few weeks later I received a beautiful pair of supple leather sandals which fitted perfectly. They were packaged thoughtfully in a reusable fabric bag which I always put them in to travel, and came with a little leather bracelet as a gift.

I have been a repeat customer ever since and recommended them to friends who ask about where to buy ethical shoes or comment on my sandals which – three years later – are still going strong. I can recommend their ballet flats and coordinating bags if you like a bit of matchy matchy (yes please!) and also love their Velvet Moon ankle boots, which made it into my #10x10challenge capsule.

kate.adores’ Instagram #10x10challenge… 10 items, 10 outfits, 10 days…

BaliElf shoes are made in Bali, Indonesia, and epitomise slow fashion with their commitment to developing local craftmanship, sourcing local materials and treating everyone along the supply chain – right down to you, the consumer – with the utmost respect. You can read about their ethics here.

I’m also really excited to see a range of beautiful boho dresses in the latest collection… definitely something to go on the Spring/Summer 18 wishlist!

April 26, 2018