Eco and Ethical Fashion Update

I have been known in the past (on numerous  occasions) to moan about the lack of affordable eco and ethical fashion available particularly on the high street. I still hold this view bit was really pleased to discover a few months back from Laura at For those about to shop that Marks and Spencers were launching a new eco and ethical fashion range.

The collection named Indigo Green is kind of a bolt on to their main Indigo collection which features stylish casual clothing based around denim and jeans for this summer the collection has a real seventies vibe. I have always loved M&S and whilst there clothes aren't always really 'trendy', I think they are usually very good quality for the price and they also do a great range of petite clothes. I tend to buy a lot of my basics from the Limited Collection and Autograph range but I have always wondered why (and been slightly annoyed) that they don't offer more eco fashion. The new collection is definitely a step in the right direction, whilst it is only small, it contains some great wardrobe essentials for summer 2011 including flared jeans and a maxi dress.

As I decided that I needed a pair of flared jeans for the summer and haven't been able to find any other affordable ethical or eco options, I decided to give Indigo Green a try and I am really pleased with the result. They offer two different choices slim boot jeans made from Tencel and Fairtrade cotton kickflare jeans both in three different lengths and costing just £25! I couldn't believe the price, this range is definitely affordable and best of all they fitted perfectly, you can see the kickflare jeans in my outfit in the last post. Here is the maxi dress which I loved from the collection.

Indigo Green Maxi Dress

Also, just a quick reminder that the next Vintage Fashion Fair is at Primrose Hill on Sunday. Vintage clothing is a great way to get a unique new outfit or accessories but is also really eco friendly. You can find more details on the website - Vintage London. There may be a few free tickets left which you can get from the website but hurry as they are going fast.

Have you spotted any other exciting eco or ethical collections. If so please share!

With warmest wishes

Ceri X

Polka dots and pink

Yesterday I decided to wear one of my favourite dresses from good old Marks and Spencers. I know some people find Marks and Spencers a bit boring, but I find the quality and fit of the clothes great and they have a great petites range. The dress and cardigan were actually a birthday present from Mr Style Eyes and the children last year, although I did pick it out myself. Yet another monchrome outfit with a bit of pink to brighten it up.

Having a very busy month so far working every evening and weekend. Hoping to make a bit more time for relaxation, going out and blog posts on Style Eyes soon. On the plus side, I haven't had any new clothes for a while because of my shopping ban but have managed to make just a bit of time for clothes swapping so should have some new clothes on the way and should be able to do some more outfit posts soon.

My top ten style tips for petites

One of the most challenging aspects of finding the clothes that look good on me is my height. I don't actually mind being 5ft 2, it doesn't bother me at all but finding clothes that fit and suit me can be problematic. Over the years, I am slowly starting to work out which styles of clothes do suit me as a petite. The problem with being petite is that clothes can easily swamp you and make you look even shorter (and wider than you are). So here are my top ten petite style tips.

• Fitted clothing is always best for petites. You can just about get away with a moderately baggy top as long as it is balanced with a more fitted piece of clothing on the lower half.
• 3/4 length sleeves work really well, not sure why but perhaps they make the body look proportionately longer.
• Moderate size heels or wedges work really well for petites, mega high heels look too much.
• Dresses work best when really long (maxi) or just below the knee.

Dakota Cropped Trench

• Cropped jackets and cardigans worn with long thigh length tops seem to make the body look longer.
• Avoid any horizontal lines across the body and obvious belts as they will cut it in half making you look shorter. If you must wear a belt opt for a thin one in the same colour as your clothing.
• Use scarves, v necks, necklaces and vertical stripes to create vertical lines which make your body look longer.

Marks and Spencers Petite Cotton Bootcut Jeans

• Shop in Next, Marks and Spencers and Dorothy Perkins petite collections for trousers to fit. Other fitted clothes such as dresses and jackets also look better if bought from a petite collection otherwise the waist will fall too low and the shoulders too wide and the neckline may be too low.
• If wearing patterns look for small scale patterns like polka dots and small florals. Larger scale patterns will swamp you.
• Wear outfits in one colour including tights and shoes, this will make your body look longer.

All fairly obvious points, but they really do work. Sometimes it can be easy to get carried away with the latest fashions and forget that paying attention to looking stylish over fashion and wearing clothes to suit will always look best. You can still follow fashions though, just pick out the bits that work well for petites.

So not bored of the high street

Knitted frill dress - Marks and Spencers

Something Else Space Dreams Tank at Urban Outfitters

Dress - Cos

How could I possibly get bored of the high street at the moment. In fact it just seems to go from strength to strength. With the current economic climate and a sever lack of pennies to spend, I don't think I will be needing designer clothes for the time being - not with so many lovely high street options.

The Leather Shift Dress

Oasis Leather Dress

This autumn and winter is the time for the more conservative dressers amongst us to embrace their inner vamp. With thigh high leather boots all over the catwalk and leather dresses all over the high street including a sell out version at good old M & S, wearing leather is almost respectable, although I wouldn't suggest wearing the thigh high boots and the dress together would look remotely respectable.

Hopefully Marks and Spencers will be restocking their leather shift dress which was available in black and grey at £149. I have actually found one that I prefer at Oasis. It is less expensive (a very important consideration) but also has a great shape, lovely soft looking leather and some interesting detail around the neck line. Definitely a classic style that is likely to last for seasons to come. I have also spotted a reference to a leather dress from the Limited Collection at New Look in my latest copy of Elle, although I can't yet find it on the website yet, hopefully it will be arriving soon.