Moving Away From Fast Fashion

In today’s climate it is important to think about becoming more sustainable, whether that be by reducing your plastic usage or going vegan. One topic people are unaware of however, is the impact of the fast fashion industry. We talk about the water usage involved in factory farming methods, though did you know it can take around 300 million gallons of water to create just one cotton t-shirt, with clothing also taking nearly 100 years to decompose in landfill when you get bored of it. The fashion industry is worth trillions of pounds and is the second highest polluting industry on earth, contributing to 10% of the worlds global carbon emissions.

The fast fashion industry hides low paid, badly treated workers and use of toxic harmful chemicals that in turn are harming our waters. The workers of this industry do not have rights and only 2% of them actually earn the living wage, not able to support their families after working all day in gruelling conditions. This needs to stop, no person should have to work in such conditions for a toxic industry.

More so than ever people are realising the implications of fast fashion, stop placing endless orders on ASOS without knowing the effects it is causing. You are contributing to the second biggest polluter on our planet. How many times do you wear that new top you bought? How many clothes have you thrown out? There are alternatives to the fast fashion industry.

Shop at Charity Shops
A simple and cheap way to avoid fast fashion. I do this all the time! I find amazing one of a kind pieces in charity shops, you have just got to keep an eye out. Along with charity shops there is Depop online, where you can search for what you want and find some gems. These are great alternatives to fast fashion shopping and often end up being a whole lot cheaper. I used to spend a lot of money at places like Topshop or New Look, now, however I can spend less than £20 and get lots of amazing pieces that no one else will have! Rather than throwing out your clothes into landfill, donate them to charities so that someone who really needs clothes can enjoy the items you never wear anymore.  You could even repurpose your old clothes, adjust them, find new ways to wear them that doesn't involve throwing them out.

Shop Sustainably
There are companies out there who make sustainable clothing items and treat their workers fairly, with suitable pay. More and more companies are popping up with good ethics behind their clothing items, you just have to know where to look. Companies like TALA are great alternative to fast fashion gym wear brands, they use ethically sourced materials and landfill waste to create their items and pay their workers fairly. Lucy and Yak is an ethically sourced company selling beautiful clothing items. If you are looking for sustainably made underwear then Organic Basics is a great place! They use eco-friendly materials to make their items and sell all the basics you will need. Yes, these shops may be a little on the pricer side but you are not just paying more for nothing. You are paying more so that their workers get fair pay, you are paying more for good quality materials that won't just break after a week of wear, you are paying for sustainability that will work out cheaper for you in the long run. Why do you think fast fashion websites and shops sell items so cheap? Because of the use of cheap materials and low paid workers.

Not everyone has to be perfect with this movement, but aiming to buy less fast fashion items will help the planet immensely. We need to put an end to flash sales on cheaply made items and pull together to help make a more sustainable fashion industry.

Spring ASOS Wishlist

 

Seen as it is now officially spring and the fact that I haven't done a fashion wishlist I thought I would show you the current pieces that have caught my eye in ASOS. I'm pretty much relying on ASOS for shopping right now because revision means I don't have too much time to spend scanning the isles, so online shopping is my cure.

New Balance
Grey Maxi Dress
Denim Midi Skirt
Jersey Black Straight Leg Trousers
Girlfriend Denim Gilet
Striped Sundress
Bandana Print Trousers

The weather is finally warming up in the UK which means I can finally venture out of the house without my huge parker on, so can we have a amen. I have recently been looking to purchase more statement pieces for my wardrobe that makes my style a little more interesting than just a pair of black skinny jeans. Also, as you can see a lot of these pieces are for the warmer times of year and that is because I love the trends that are upcoming for this season, especially the 70's trend! However although I am wanting to currently purchase almost everything off ASOS, I have come to the realisation that for the next two months I will be wearing little else than pyjamas or my school uniform. Can the exams please be over already so I can enjoy summer and actually wear real clothes? Please tell me that I am not the only one living in my pyjamas revising?

Be sure to let me know some of the current trends that you are loving for the upcoming season? I always love browsing the shelves online!

Mixing Vintage with Modern Looks

 

 

Jumper // Brandy Melville
Dress // Brandy Melville
Shoes // Office
Watch // Abbott Lyon*
Hat // Topshop
Blazer // Lily Vintage

It's been a long time since I have done an outfit post, and I do miss it. But with the combination of the unforgiving British weather and my lack of getting dressed properly on weekends due to school work led them to pretty much cease to exist. With the weather improving I hope to get out a few more outfit posts now although I cannot guarantee changing out on my comfy clothes on weekends.  I felt it necessary to showcase my vintage blazer from Lily Vintage because I have been wearing it almost with everything, whether it goes or not. I was on the look out for the perfect blazer for a while now and came across this one and instantly fell in love. It did initially have shoulder pads but I removed them because they made my shoulders look like they were going to stab someone's eye out! It is the perfect oversized fit that gives a gorgeous vintage feel to an outfit. I hope you are looking forward to (hopefully) seeing more outfit posts popping up!

*For £25 off any Abbott Lyon watch just use the code HarrisAL25 at the checkout

 

City Grunge

 

Top // Sheinside
Hat // Sheinside
Skirt // Sheinside
Shoes // Sheinside
Watch // Daniel Wellington

I have missed doing fashion posts for you all, but unfortunately the current weather situation in the UK means bad lighting and rain almost everyday and that doesn't make good outfit photography conditions. So I thought I would continue on with this sort of outfit post where I show you current outfit combinations that I have been loving along with my fashion wishlists.

This outfit is fit for the city. I can imagine wearing this simple, yet cute outfit down the streets of London or New York. I love the whole simplistic vibe of the outfit aswell as it maintaining an element of grunge from the leather and platform shoes. The pleated midi skirt gives off a very retro feel to the outfit which has been brought back to life with the modern elements, such as the sleek, clean looking v neck tee. When wearing statement pieces the key is to pair them with simple items that will draw attention to the focal point of your outfit. These shoes are knock off of the Jeffrey Campbell Lita's which I have had my eye on for a while now, but these are for a fraction of the price and give the same look to the outfit. Although I have not tried and tested them out, I can not 100% say I wouldn't fall flat on my face if I attempted to walk in them! If you wanted a more casual appeal to the outfit you could always switch put the heels for a pair of trainers that would enhance the retro look. But overall I think that this outfit is perfect if you are looking for something that you can just  throw on and look put together, like you really tried when in reality you just chucked on some statement pieces that together create the perfect look.

A Christmas Gift Guide

The advent calendars are being opened and with less than a month until Christmas the festive countdown is well and truly underway. I'm the type of girl who gets in the Christmas spirit a little premature. So naturally I have already finished my Christmas shopping and wrapped up all of the goodies, but I know that not everyone is like me and a lot of you are probably on the hunt for the perfect presents for your loved ones. So I thought I would compile a set of possible gifts to inspire you on what to give or for what to ask for from Santa this year.

Perfume
I feel like this is such a classic Christmas present to give. Perfume isn't something you would usually purchase for yourself and it has always been something that I get for Christmas. You can always find a bottle within your budget as there is a wide range of options to choose for, the decision comes when choosing which one.

Candles
These make perfect presents for your friends or a secret Santa gift. Again the options are endless with the scents and brands you can choose from. You can purchase more higher end candles for that special gift for someone or chose a high street option such as Yankee. Candles are such a festive gift, whenever I light a candle in Winter it just adds to the festive, cosy feel in my room.

Socks
Now, what would Christmas be without that classic pair of socks you get every year. Socks actually make a perfect gift, as I'm sure we are all aware of the sock fairy that always leaves you with odd socks throughout the year. The best thing is that there are endless arrays of cute designs and types, from fluffy socks to bed socks.

Pyjama Set
When I was a child I always used to get a pair of new pyjamas each year and that tradition has kept going throughout my teenage years. I don't think there is anything better than snuggling up in a pair of brand new cosy, pyjamas with a blanket on Christmas day and I'm sure many of you would agree.

Dressing Gown
If you live in a country where in the winter the mornings are always frosty and cold you will understand the painful struggle of getting out of bed in the morning. Also owning a lovely dressing gown feels like you're walking around in a blanket, so what's not to love?

Slippers
Keeping with the cosy theme, in winter, my feet are always cold and I live in either socks, or slippers. Again I feel that it is custom to get this sort of present for Christmas and I know I would love a pair of fluffy boots to shuffle around the house in.

Polaroid Camera
This is a little more of a main present to give someone. Polaroid camera's are the perfect gift to get someone because they can catch their moments then and there. They are great for taking some lovely festive photos this Christmas time.

Watch
This gift is quite literally a timeless piece. If you know someone who is constantly late or just needs an accessory in their life then a watch would make the perfect gift. If you want to spend that little bit extra on your special someone you can always have a look at the higher end watches such as Daniel Wellington and Micheal Kors, both would make the loveliest gifts.

Headphones
The gift for the music love out of your friends, a set of headphones would be perfect for them if they are always dancing to their favourite songs. A recent pair that I have found have been from Sudio Sweden* admittedly I had never heard of this brand previous but their headphones are amazing quality and your music plays beautifully, they would make the perfect gift.

I hope this post inspired you for this festive time to come.

Merry Christmas

Winter Style Wishlist

I don't think this would be an appropriate winter wishlist without a good helping of knitwear and layering pieces. The sudden drop in temperature and the dusting of snow has inspired me to share with you my current winter style inspiration. Creating wishlists is becoming an unhealthy habit of mine to say the least, because whatever I add lengthens my increasing list of things I would like to be in my wardrobe, is that really a bad thing though?

Sweater Dress
A dress in winter? no! I couldn't agree more. In the freezing temperatures and temperamental weather the last thing I want to do is throw on a dress, however recently I have been seeing sweater dresses everywhere. They are a gorgeous layering piece that can add a bit of winter spice to any outfit as well as keeping you toasty warm. The added touch of the roll neck will keep you bag on trend this winter and these dresses pair perfectly with either a pair of thigh high neutral toned boots or some knee high socks.

Monk Shoes
I have been looking for the perfect pair of Monk shoes for a while now. When scrolling through the virtual isles of ASOS I came across this pair from Doc Martens, and if you know me you know that I am a sucker for a good old pair of Doc's. I like how the burgundy shade is two tonal and will look amazing paired with an all black outfit to add a bit of grunge.

Boyfriend Cardigan
This boyfriend fit cardigan is the kind of staple piece that should appear in everyone's winter wardrobe. It would be a great layering piece for all the seasons when you need a bit of extra warmth.

Leather Jacket
Another timeless staple item. I have been on the look out for that perfect faux leather full length jacket for what seems like forever. I always see the cropped kind but why have half the material when you can own it all?

Grey Maxi Dress
This may not seem like your typical item to add to a winter wishlist and granted it isn't. However, picture this dress layered under a oversized sweater with a pair of ankle boots or doc martens peeping out. You can also throw on a jacket and huge scarf to make it ever more winter ready. In winter you don't just have to head to the winter section.

Classic Jumper
More knitwear, you can never have too many jumpers am I right? Now this is just a standard jumper, but to me it is the perfect fit, it isn't tight fitting, nor too baggy so it doesn't appear to be drowning you. For this outfit you can just throw on a pair of skinny jeans and a jacket, then you're out the door.

Black Cut Skinny Jeans
I already own two pairs of black skinny jeans but there always comes a time when you've got to say 'bon voyage' and replace them with a new pair. Admittedly, with this pair of jeans your knees may catch the cold, but I love how the rip in the knees add attention and grunge to the outfit and let's be honest here, you can't really go wrong with a pair of black jeans any time of the year.

What is there not to love about walking around all bundled up in oversized blanket? that's effectively what we are doing right? Winter fashion is all about keeping the staples in and layering them up to create that perfect winter outfit.

Cowl Neck's

 

 

Well, the recent turn in events regarding the weather and time change has made it very tedious to take blog pictures ad get posts up, how do people do it? Anyway I found I slight break in the current horrific gales and dark days to take a snapshot of my outfit. With the first ever storm named in Britain it's no wonder the weather is making me want to hibernate in front of the TV with a blanket and cup of tea. Also the countdown to Christmas is well under way, how many days is it when you're reading this? It seems like every advert on TV and every song on the radio is Christmas related but hey I'm not complaining!

Jumper // Hollister
Kimono // Sheinside*
Jeans // Topshop
Shoes // Topshop
Hat // Topshop
Watch // Daniel Wellington*

Nostalgia with Watches

 

Watches // Daniel Wellington*

Now, I have a few watches in my collection,  and if I am being honest I am too embarrassed to count. Yes, a normal person might say I probably have too many, I don't disagree with them, but that doesn't mean I love wearing them any less.

I think my love for watches originates itself from my Dad. He also has an eye for watches and in a heart beat if he could he would spend unthinkable amounts of money on that perfect watch. Growing up with him purchasing watch after watch and constantly waiting for him whilst he browses outside out the jewellers windows at the endless Brietling aisles is what spurred my love for watches. Watching someone you look up to repeatedly wear the same thing or browse the same aisles when you are younger gives you a sense of nostalgia as you grow up.

Some people see watches as an practicality, others as an accessory. They are a versatile, traditional accessory that is living on in a technological world where everything is now done digitally. Does anyone even wear watches now? Or do you just look at your phone? The way I see a watch is as a timeless piece to complete an outfit, it finishes a look with a classic feel from a day wear no one would step out of the door without a watch strapped onto their wrist. Are we living in a world where the tradition of wearing a watch is dying out? I sincerely hope not. Even with the technology advances in products such as the Google or Apple watch, a watch is a watch and it looks as if they will still be a staple for many generations to come, even if not it their traditional format of just a watch face.

*For 15% off your order with Daniel Wellington use the code GeorgiaHarris at the checkout on their website.

Second Nature

 

 

Shirt // Urban Outfitters
Hoodie // Brandy Melville
Top // Hollister
Jeans // Topshop
Shoes // Office
Hat // Topshop

If you are familiar with my outfit posts you may find that there seem to be common reoccurrences. It almost seems second nature to me to throw on an oversized checked shirt with the majority of my outfits. I love the laid back appeal it gives to an outfit but also how it adds interest to an outfit with a pop of colour and texture. In Autumn layering pieces is a great way to keep warm without having to wear a heavy thick coat around, and therefore you can show off your style before the time comes when you have too cover up all aspects of your outfit to prevent frostbite. In this outfit like always I went for a laid back look with a slight put together feel achieved from the Chelsea boots. I created the layered look by pairing a long sleeve v neck with an oversized checked shirt from Urban Outfitters but any shirt would work with this look as it is a neutral colour theme. Over the top I threw on a boyfriend style hoodie and a fedora to complete the outfit.

So now you know my chosen autumn staple, what is yours?

Autumn Fashion Trends

Suede Jacket
Jersey Dress
Burgundy Dress
Black Blouse
Boyfriend Jeans
Chunky Knitted Jumper

It may be no secret to you all that autumn is my favourite season. The weather becomes cool and fresh and that means the autumnal, cosy fashion comes out. I have to admit aside from the weather, the autumn fashion is my second favourite thing. I could happily cosy up in boots and jumpers in the festive colours all year, but I doubt it to be accommodating to the sweltering summer heat. I was browsing the online shelves of Sheinside*, drooling over some of their autumn pieces, and thought to put together an autumn lust list for you all, perhaps to give you some inspiration on what to wear this lovely season. Ranging from suede jackets, jumpers to flowy baby doll style dresses in the gorgeous autumn shades, I have covered them all.

The Men's Shirt

 

 

 

 

Top // Brandy Melville
Jeans // Topshop
Shirt // Levi's Vintage
Boots // Doc Martens
Scarf // Accessorize (no longer available)

If you know me then I think it's common knowledge that I like my shirts. I have too many that I can wear and yet I still keep adding to my collection? In all fairness I have been on the hunt for an oversized denim shirt for what seems like forever now. I have been scouring all the vintage shops and yet still failed to find that perfect shirt. Being a lover of denim can be tricky because I end up being the most fussy when finding the wash I want. It's always, that's too light, too distressed, too dark etc etc. I just wanted a basic every day wash, was that too much to ask for?

I found my perfect denim in Camden Market in one of the many vintage stores. It's a men's medium Levi's shirt that I snapped up for a bargain of just £15. If you're looking for authentic denim then vintage stores are the way forward. Because the weather is getting a little chilly here I layered my denim shirt with a khaki jumper I picked up from Brandy Melville. I of course then threw on a trusty pair of black jeans and my Doc Martens that are looking a little worse for wear. For the ultimate cosy feeling for this outfit I added a huge patterned scarf that further adds to the vintage vibe the outfit gives.