Our Blog | Love Linen The Label — Quality over Quantity
An Expression of Within
Clothing - 'An expression of self'
Clothing is an expression of self and the future of the world you wish to live in, the future you wish to leave to your children...
My Journey Through a Love of Linen - Why we make limited styles
A focus on quality over quantity always. By only producing minimums, although this means our costs are higher, we are also valuing scarcity and a more sustainable approach very rare in the fashion industry. This also means true creativity, superior workmanship, quality and skills are valued and cherished as they once were many years ago.
As Founder & Designer it is important to me to maintain a constant, consistent contact through every stage of design and creation, right to the very end of fostering a genuine relationship one-on-one with fellow linen lovers and working with them to serve them as best I can.
We don't do 'latest drops'. We don't follow trends or seasonal 'fads'. Everything is created with pure, timeless intention to enjoy for many years to come, classical pieces for the curated and mindful of heart.
By choosing quality European linen and our limited, sustainable production model we are also minimising our impact. Honouring human life and our precious natural world goes hand in hand in this way. We honour the traditions and workmanship of old, as we honour the world's oldest natural fiber still loved and cherished today.
I think by doing the best we possibly can, we are honouring the wearer most of all x
Thoughtful Books about Conscious Fashion - Gift Ideas
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
Easy Steps to Style Confidence
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.
It's More Than Just A Fashion Revolution in 2020
A Fashion Revolution - A Better 2020
Fashion Revolution week 23rd-29th of April marks the 6th anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh, which killed 1,138 people and injured many more in 2013, millions of people are now encouraged to ask brands #whomademyclothes and demand greater transparency in the fashion supply chain.
This revolution is a global movement calling for greater sustainability and ethics within the fashion industry.
Part of our passion is this movement which encourages more sustainability to change the way our clothes are sourced, produced and purchased, and ensuring #whomademyclothes are subject to a fair wages and safe working conditions.
This year there are much greater things at hand than just the Fashion Revolution - there is a current revolution of awareness of how we are living and consuming. This all goes hand in hand. We are waking up and it takes times such as these to do so.
The fashion industry is rife with fast fashion following short term fashion trends at super-low prices. It does come to a point that we have to consider the real cost of this out-ways a cheap price tag.
You are deciding which you are supporting every purchase you make. Quality over quantity is key here, having a high quality wardrobe that not only looks amazing, it will not fall apart after a few washes and you will not be contributing to the masses of landfill and subjecting people to unfair working conditions.
Shop YOUR VALUES, Shop local, shop small and ask #whomademyclothes?
Why You're Getting Ripped Off At $100 For A Dress
So I Went To (Fast Fashion Shop) and bought 10 Dresses - This is what I found
(actually didn't but you get the gist)
- I didn't really love ANY of them but they were cheap
- I know I'll throw them out in 12 months (if they don't fall apart first)...more landfill
- I really don't know what they are made from - poly... oh yeah isn't that plastic and microfibers choking our planet?
- I didn't check to see - ah Made In China under slave labour and a regime that does not support any life - including human life..
- One has a tag 'Ethically Made in Bali' - mmm why not Australia - ah fair wages... fair in Bali... do they have a fair work?
- The person that made it worked over 12 hours per day and only got paid less than 40c PER DAY - don't know how they are surviving
- The fabric was poor quality and cost less than $4 per meter - the processes of producing this cheap fabric are currently polluting the planet and stripping it of natural resources
- I wonder how long it would take me to sew a dress - I wonder how much I'd like to be paid?
- How long would I like a dress I really really loved to last? Could I make it last? Would I wear it more than once?
Lets #DoBetter - consider #WhoMadeYourClothes - what your clothes were made from and how you'd like to WEAR YOUR VALUES
"I Shampoo For A Better Future"
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!
It's Time To #DoBetter
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
Why we NEED to 'Beat' Fast Fashion
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
The World Must Never Forget...
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?
Minimalism Where To Start
Less To Live More
Maybe it started with keeping up with the Jones - but who knows. What we do know, is in our western world we have a lot. We have a lot that we don't need, we have a lot which clouds our lives and stops us from really living and enjoying what matters.
It never ceases to amaze me how in many eastern countries and poorer nations, the happiness of the people does not necessarily coincide with how much 'materially' that they own or have.
After considering this for some time, I happened by the term minimalism. Minimalism to many people means many different things. I have found that it means to have only what you need to enjoy life, less stuff, and then more time and money because of this.
This does not mean you don't buy nice things, it means you consider purchases much more carefully instead of just mindlessly consuming from inner lack or to fill some sort of void. Minimalism to me is as much an inner journey as it is an outer.
Everyone has their own view of what will make them happy and what they need vs what they want. It is interesting though when going through your 'stuff' and de-cluttering - how much this can positively impact your stress levels and enjoyment of time usually spent cleaning, sorting and moving around this 'stuff'.
Minimalism also makes you value your time and happiness a lot more. If you're not happy then really - something has to change. Minimalism is not to do with just things, it's people, commitments, anything really which is not contributing to your inner peace and happiness.
Clearing out to live with less - but really with more of what makes you happy. That's a life more worth living.
Behind The Seams
The Lifetime of a Design
At Love Linen we do everything with love and much time, energy and care goes into everything we do.
We are only small and we only make a few. We are accredited with Ethical Clothing Australia and we are proudly Australian made, owned and operated.
Each design we hand make in our sewing studio in Broome before is goes to our digital pattern makers. This process alone can take months! Our amazing manufacturer specialises in short runs which means we only produce around 10 - 20 of each design in a carefully chosen linen fabric.
Quality over quantity is what we are passionate about. We also love producing linen clothing of true style and classic design that you wont see everywhere else. Our designs are unique and limited which make them extra special.
Although we have many designs sketched - some on paper - many in the mind - we are only a small business and our aim is to grow sustain-ably with our beautiful linen lovers into the future. We wish we could give you it all at once but where is the fun in that! So much happens in the design stage and we even surprise ourselves sometimes!
If you are reading this, thank you for being part of our journey. Your support and appreciation means the world to us X
Lets Shop Local This Festive Season
Support Local, Support Your Community
There are so many great reasons for shopping local. Festive season sometimes takes a hold however, and massive name brands do take center stage with their massive advertising budgets and the little small businesses can get lost among all the noise. We ask you to look for them, there are so so so many amazing small businesses out there producing amazing products filled with love and supporting earth and world friendly values we all hope to aspire to.
Gift giving over the silly season can get - well a little silly! How much do we really need? Here is a quick guide to help with a more mindful choice which also supports your local community.
Consumable Products
Handmade soap, perfume, handmade local foods, local honey, local produce, candles, incense, natural deodorant, skin care and hair care products - products you know will be used or consumed and not wasted - choose locally made, naturally made products
Reduce Plastic
Kids toys, clothing, plastic things which have little or no use. Shop for a non-plastic option or a cause contributing to earth friendly sustainable, re-use or re-cycle values. Shopping local makes this choice easy, there are many hand-crafters and local artisans and artists around, plus you a giving a unique gift to both the small business you are supporting and the receiver
Give An Experience
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that someone who has everything or is difficult to buy for? An experience like a massage (or any self pamper), wine tour, hot air balloon float, couple photo shoot, or something simply that you know they will enjoy will always be well received. Choose a local service or company
Make Something From You
Hand-make something yourself. Whether it's baking, painting, making jewelry, macrame, renewing something you have as a gift - if you are inclined this is something truly unique you can give as a gift from you. Small items are usually best and remember to shop local for your supplies
Support a Local Cause
Supporting a local cause always feels good. If you have one you are passionate about, let everyone know instead of gifts, small donations towards this cause is how you are giving this year. Everyone can feel involved and purposeful with their giving with you
Don't Sweat the Gift Giving
The most important gift you can give anyone is your own happiness and that you share your light with them by giving them your time. Gifts and the pressure of buying for no other reason than an expectation is both stressful and unnecessary. If this is you, explain this to your inner circle, if you need to take a break this year (or any year) know that - this is OK