Our Blog | Love Linen The Label — Conscious Living

Books about style, ethical fashion and building a better, simpler, more conscious wardrobe

“Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion” by Elizabeth L. Cline (Portfolio, 2013)           

YOU'LL LOVE THIS IF you want an in-depth analysis of how the fashion industry is impacting workers, the environment and the economy

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR  fast fashion addicts in need of a wake up call 

“Worn Stories” by Emily Spivack (Princeton Architectural Press, 2014)                                  

YOU'LL LOVE THIS IF your closet is full of meaningful pieces that remind you of something or someone special

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR anyone who likes personal stories, short essays and autobiographies       

“No More Dirty Looks: The Truth about Your Beauty Products and the Ultimate Guide to Safe and Clean Cosmetics” by Siobhan O’Connor and Alexandra Spunt (Da Capo Lifelong Books, 2010)   

YOU'LL LOVE THIS IF you want to transition to a cleaner, safer and environmentally friendly beauty routine

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR health-conscious beauty lovers   

”The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Guide to Declutter, Organise and Simplify” by Francine Jay (Chronicle Books, 2016)                                                                   

YOU'LL LOVE THIS IF you want a straightforward, motivating guide to decluttering and simplifying

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR anyone that’s curious to find out what this “minimalism” thing is all about             

”Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster” by Dana Thomas (Penguin Books, 2008)           

YOU'LL LOVE THIS IF you’ve always wondered if luxury brands are worth the money

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR luxury fashion lovers and sceptics alike   

“Wear No Evil: How to Change the World with Your Wardrobe” by Greta Eagan (Running Press, 2014)                                                                                                                                                                                       

YOU'LL LOVE THIS IF you want practical tips on how to build a more ethical closet

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR eco fashion newbies     

“Decoding the New Consumer Mind: How and Why We Shop and Buy” by Kit Yarrow (Jossey-Bass, 2014)                                                           

YOU'LL LOVE THIS IF you want to improve your shopping habits and stop wasting money on impulse buys

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR people who love research almost as much as shopping       

“How To Get Dressed: A Costume Designers Secrets for Making Your Clothes Look, Fit and Feel Amazing” by Alison Freer (Ten Speed Press, 2015)             

YOU'LL LOVE THIS IF you want your outfits to look as good as they do in magazines

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR literally anyone who cares about their clothes   

“The Curated Closet: A Simple System to Discovering Your Personal Style and Building Your Dream Wardrobe” by Anuschka Rees (Ten Speed Press, 2016)                                                                                                     

YOU'LL LOVE THIS IF you want a step-by-step guide to building your dream wardrobe

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR anyone who complains about having a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear       

“Women in Clothes” by Sheila Heti, Heidi Julavits and Leanne Shapton (Blue Rider Press, 2014)   

YOU'LL LOVE THIS IF you consider your style to be a reflection of your life and personality

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR style-conscious deep thinkers   

”Spark Joy: An Illustrated Guide to the Japanese Art of Tidying” by Marie Kondo (Vermillon, 2016)                                                                                                                                                                                               

YOU'LL LOVE THIS IF you can’t get enough of Marie Kondo’s genius or need some extra tidying motivation

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR people who have never heard of Marie Kondo (the rest probably already owns this book or its predecessor)       

”You Are What You Wear: What Your Clothes Reveal About You” by Dr. Jennifer Baumgartner (Da Capo Lifelong Books, 2012)           

YOU'LL LOVE THIS IF you want to know what your clothes say about you

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR anyone who enjoys books with a psychological slant

*Credit List by Author of The Curated Closet - Anuschka Rees

1. Wear What You Love Everyday

Everyday is a special occasion to be alive. Embrace the moment, embrace now and dress your best everyday, embrace your style no matter what future goals or aspirations you may have. Don't wait for that special moment - that special moment is and always will be - NOW

2. Embrace Your Unique Body

Regardless of what body shape or type you are, you are beautiful and you should embrace the uniqueness which is you. Don't let your insecurities or hang-ups get in the way of embracing your personal style. 

3. Don't Get Sucked Into A Rule Book

There are so many opinions of what looks good and what body shape and so on. At the end of the day it is good to stay informed but also your opinion and you feeling good is what matters most. Regardless of your age, body type and shape, don't let this get in the way of your personal style and wearing what you love.

4. Detox Your Wardrobe

Do not wear clothes that make you feel bad. Have a clear out if you need, and get rid of any clothes you do not feel amazing in, don't fit you, or, you have never worn. Donate or sell are good ways to sustainably clear out.

5. Quality over Quantity

Studies show most people wear only 35% of their wardrobe. You don't actually need many clothes! Curate a capsule wardrobe of your signature style. This will make your personal style stronger and you will feel more confident only wearing what you love. Quality clothing also stands out in a crowd of fast fashion which makes up most clothing in the world. Stand out and support values which resonate with you. We support local, ethically and sustainably made and of course quality natural fibers.

There is nothing better than natures goodness

It is so comforting to know exactly what you are putting on your skin.

I have been making my own Aloe Vera cream for a few years now, it is just too simple and easy and GOOD not to share it with you!

1 Cup Pure Aloe Vera Gel - I choose Australian Made (aloeveraaustralia.com.au)

2 TBS Rosehip Carrier Oil - choose quality Australian Made (Nessentials is just one) 

You can use a different carrier oil such as Jojoba or Argan oil - I use Rosehip oil because is high in vitamins A and C. Vitamin A is a natural retinoid that helps fight aging, and both vitamins can help reverse the effects of the sun on your skin.

Essential Oils of choice - 12 - 18 drops per TBS carrier approx

Some I use which are excellent for skin particularly face are

• Frankincense 
• Myrrh
• German Chamomile
• Ylang Ylang
• Cypress
• Sage
• Geranium
• Lavender
• Lemongrass

Method: Add your essential oils to your carrier oil before you add to the Aloe Vera. I use a hand held kitchen blender to whip into a beautiful cream in seconds, you can also hand whip though. Keeps very well and I live in a hot and humid climate, you can refrigerate if you wish to aid in further cooling affect to the skin if you're using more as a first aid cream. 

Let me know if you give this a try - enjoy x

A Fashion Revolution - A Better 2020

Shampoo With A Purpose - made in N.S.W

Just wanted to share a little goodness with you :)

My partner and I have been fully converted to shampoo bars - yay!

These are AMAZING - I know there is a lot to choose from out there and we think we got the jackpot first go but wherever you choose to get yours do your happy dance in the shower :)

These shampoo bars are equivalent to SIX bottles (plastic) of shampoo and conditioner!

SUPER massive happy dance - in the shower of where-ever hehe ;P

Happy Shampooing!

Love Helen x

https://www.shampoowithapurpose.com/

P.S. My partner and I share the same bar so good for all you minimalists (like me) and our first bar is almost at it's over 5 month end - still can't believe they are this good!

Simple changes we can take to #DoBetter

- Shop Local - handmade and made with love is best :)

- Shop Made in Australia - for Australians haha, fun aside we need to make our country great again an now is an excellent reminder that we need to be self reliant, it's better for us, our planet and economy  

- Start a Vege Garden - start small and grow - fresh herbs are so so good for you!

- Connect with your community - volunteer, join a local sports club, you will receive the same and more of what you give out 

- Nurture your body and mind - so important, you are your greatest asset, and you are the only one who can take care of you, if you are a giver, to fully give as much as you want you have to give to yourself first - "nobody can pour from an empty vessel" 

- Spend more time in nature - time in nature is beneficial to your health and wellness for so many reasons, it helps keep you connected and grounded and is so good for the heart and soul 

- Re-duce Re-use Re-cycle - just that!

- Eat less meat - there is so much evidence out there that we consume way too much meat than we need and it has horrific effects on the planet, every little bit counts to reduce this impact

- Reduce use of plastic - plastic is no longer fantastic - choose carefully there are many amazing alternatives out there

- Minimalise your life so you can spend time doing what makes you happy - now more than ever we are being reminded what really matters - make these things your new 'forever' priority list - there is something beautiful about a happy simple life don't you think?

Simple yes but the best things in life are x 

We Just Need to Stop - Consider WHO Made My Clothes

This is a great short video expressing some of my own sentiments regarding fast fashion, based in the US yes but on point!

It is just ridiculous that in only the last 10 - 20 years the production of clothing has increase so much to be at the stage of $10 disposable items in the name of 'trends'. We need to be smarter and we need to consider the real cost behind the price tag.

What A Cheap Price Tag Actually Says:

• I was made by someone under slave labour (majority who are woman)
• I was made in poor, unsafe and unfair working conditions
• I was made using poor materials
• I will fall apart within months and add to landfill
• I caused more pollution and negative earth impact 
• I was not made out of love or care for the earth or any human on it

No More Made in China - No More Mass Produced Crap 

These current times are a reminder to the world that it is unsustainable to rely on one power house to essentially control the world.

We know that this is driven purely and simply by price. To give the consumer cheaper options means mass production using lesser materials and slave labour (often illegal) conditions to drive the end price to the consumer down.

This is a wake up call - we can do better and we MUST - for a better future we need to make better choices - this starts NOW - what will you do better?

Love Yourself, Love Your Body, Love Your Size

"I love my body and care for her lovingly everyday. I am grateful for my healthy body and mind"

Self love does not always come easily, it is a journey and usually takes quiet some time. I have always struggled with body image and the perception that women need to be super slim and tiny to be beautiful. I'm a size 12. I often wear size 8 and 10 also and sizing of fashion has always confused me.

Through a love of linen our sizing is to Australian standards. I have found in truth however we are ALL different, it is not even reasonable to segregate female sizes into a couple of categories. We all have different bodies, shapes and sizes and areas which we like to hide or show and different styles which we know will suit our shape, and those that wont.

This consideration does actually make designing a challenge for we can't obviously please everyone with every style. It is however, for this reason many of our pieces are Free Size covering a particular range of sizes. Our ranges are for real women, our styles are all forgiving and not tight at all on the body, comfort and flow is of our highest priority. We have carefully created a relaxed fit while maintaining femininity and styling to keep a flattering shape, and we are always learning, love Helen - Founder and Designer xx

My recipe for my only at home spray'n wipe

I love everything earth friendly. I try as much as I can to re-use, recycle and I'm big on anti waste. Cleaning products are some of the worst chemicals you can let into your home. This is my mothers recipe which I have adopted for my all purpose cleaner spray'n wipe. You can play with essential oils depending on personal preference and use.

Homemade Eco All Purpose Spray'n Wipe

• You will need a spray bottle, I sometimes re-purpose other bought spray bottles when those products are finished.
• Half fill with white vinegar
• Around half a cup of methylated spirits or a quarter of the spray bottle 
• Essential oils, Australian Eucalyptus Oil is a favorite of mine
• Fill up with water
• Enjoy eco cleaning that smells fresh natural amazing :)

A Plant Based Diet Is More Sustainable 

Switching to a plant based diet is really not as hard as you might think, and even if you do it 80 percent of the time, you're doing the world and your body a favour

• Plant based is cheaper - beans and legumes as a very good source of protein are far cheaper than meat
• Plant based is better for you and particularly your gut, we are not designed to eat meet, our teeth and intestines are made to break down plants, you will find this to be gentler on your whole system
• Current forecasts of meat eating and population proves we don't have enough space to feed, water and grow enough 'beef' on our planet 
• Plant based requires a lot less water to produce than animal products 
• You don't have to give up everything - every little bit counts (I for one can not turn my back on cheese!)
• Plant based also means not processed - the more 'unprocessed' your food is generally means the healthier it is, less chemicals and better for the you and the planet
• Don't Forget Your Nuts - a great snack and packed full of goodness 
• Animal agriculture is appalling, a more humane and sustainable approach truly needs to take place, if I do choose to eat animal products I try as much as possible for free range, grass fed, regenerative agriculture, supporting small local farmers
• Try it, you'll feel healthier, happier and lighter 

Reasons To Fall In Love With The Worlds Best Natural Fiber

We seem to be on trend as the world catches on - again to how good quality linen just is

1. The process to produce linen is earth friendly and natural, minimal to no water or pesticides is needed to harvest and minimal chemicals to extract the linen fibers from the flax plant is needed
2. Linen is arguably the most sustainable natural fiber in this way, being made from a plant also makes it eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable 
3. Linen cloth has a very long life, linen is well known to be more than 3 times stronger than cotton, it is also a more structurally sound fiber which means it does not loose shape and is more resistant to abrasions 
4. Linen gets better with every wash, unlike most other fibers which deteriorate linen remains strong and gets softer and silkier with time
5. Linen is known to be the go to summer material, but this works both ways as it is a natural insulator which means due to the natural ability of its fibers, linen keeps you cool when its hot and warm when its cold, it is one of, or if not the best natural fiber to regulate your natural body temperature 
6. Wearing linen makes you stand out in the crowd, linen lovers are known to appreciate a more natural and conscious way of life and well as appreciating a healthier way of living
7. Linen is easy to wear for all occasions, it is not hard to let linen take over your wardrobe, an investment worth savoring for many years to come