Consoling myself with Chichia London

After yesterdays post about ASOS Africa which got me quite excited, I was a bit disappointed to find that the very gorgeous blazers that were causing a considerable wobble on my shopping ban, were completely sold out (or at least not available on the site at the moment). I really loved the bold bright African inspired prints but in the absence have been driven on to exploring other possibilities. Perhaps a blessing in disguise as I came across another very desireable source of African inspired prints, at Chichia London.

The label which was founded by Christine Mhando has some really original pieces in the most amazing colourful prints. I love her idea of keeping things fresh without being too trend driven, this just about sums up what I want from my clothes (along with lots of busy colours and patterns). Christine was born in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and raised in London, so the collections take inspiration from both continents and she transforms them into very beautiful and wearable clothes.

Chichia London is available online at The Look Boutique but please don't buy it all up before I finish my shopping ban.

ASOS Africa Fairtrade Collection

Bright colours - check

Bold Patterns - check
fresh, trendy and wearable - check
Ethical, eco friendly and guilt free - check

Last week ASOS launched a new ethical and eco friendly section to their website, the Green Room and now they have launched their new Fairtade ASOS Africa collection. It includes so much that love about clothes including some amazing and extreme pattern mixing, very eye catching blazers, playsuits and jumpsuits and even a shift dress. This collection is by far the most exciting stuff in the green room so far and I hope that it is npt all snapped up before I finish my shopping ban(4 months to go). I love the fact that it is a bit different to so much of the stuff that is out there in the shops at the moment.

The ASOS team travelled to Africa to work with artisans and small producer groups. The collection helps to support trade in Africa and give those invloved in its production a fair deal. What a great idea and what an amazing result.

The Green Room - More Ethical and Eco Fashion

I am starting to get a little concerned about when I start shopping again after my shopping ban (although months away) and how I will manage to find what I need by just buying quality clothes to last, second hand, vintage and eco fashion. There is already quite a bit of choice in terms of affordable eco fashion from People Tree, Ascension and even a Renewal at Urban Outfitters, a brand that uses recycled materials, but there is still no where near as much as there is for conventional fashion.

I was really pleased to hear about the new Green Room at ASOS which is the latest offering of afforable ethical and eco fashion. The Green Room includes Fairtrade pieces, ASOS's own brand Fairtrade cotton, organic cotton T shirts and some pieces made in disadvantaged communities in Africa.

Whilst it is a fairly small selection at the moment (which I really hope will increase), there are some great basics/ essentials, some very lovely jewellery, a designer collaboration and even some organic cotton T shirts designed by some of my favourite fashion bloggers.

ASOS Fairtrade Cotton Crop Top

Fairtrade Owl T Shirt by Designer Chrissie Abbott

Brass multi charm bracelets by Made

Bottle Top Necklace by Made

Organic Cotton T Shirt by Kingdom of Style

Organic Cotton T Shirt by Fashion Toast

Organic Cotton T shirt by Style Bubble

Read my post on affordable ethical and eco fashion

Eclectic Layering

I was browsing through the new Spring collection on the ASOS website, when I came across a trend described as eclectic layering. I have been experimenting with pattern mixing and layering for some time and was interested to see their take on this look. Unfortunately, they didn't give much in the way of actual examples just lots of different pieces that could be layered in an eclectic way. Their description is 'mixing and matching different influences from heavy reworked denim to soft chiffons and light sweats' They had some very lovely floral pieces that I can really picture as part of a layered ensemble but of course, I am not shopping at the moment and I already have some florals in my wardrobe.

I have however spotted some great versions of eclectic layering on the catwalk which I will be a starting point or inspiration for so many spring and summer outfits. I was tempted to put together an outfit for this trend, but actually there were so many possibilities, it made my head spin. I do however think that eclectic layering will feature in many outfits for other trends as it features so many different trends e.g florals, chiffon, safari, tribal prints, polka dots, stripes, sheers, layering and the so the list goes on..

At Alexander Wang

At Ralph Lauren

At Peter Pilotto

At Paul Smith

At Meadham Kirchkof

At Fendi

At Dolce and Gabbana

At Christopher Kane

At 3.1 Phillip Lim

catwalk pictures from www.style.com