Our Blog | Love Linen The Label — Sustainable Living

Seasonal Fashion is OUT

It is truly inspiring that there is a huge shift towards a more minimalistic view towards our wardrobes. Not only is clothing regarded as a form of self expression but ultimately it is now a reflection of what values we hold and the impact we are consciously having (or not) by the choices we make. 

Slow fashion is becoming a more popular term, an appreciation for classic timeless pieces made well to stand the test of time, made to be worn through many seasons for years to come. Seasonal fashion following short term trends and fads is out. Not only is it unsustainable from so many points of view, we are beginning to realise that we have absolutely no choice but to embrace a longer term approach in all we consume if we wish to leave the planet in a better state for our children, or in any state at all. 

The focus has turned to choosing your own signature style by carefully curating a wardrobe of timeless staples that can easily be mixed and matched. This can be achieved by sticking to your own favourite colour pallet or favouring monotones or a selection of very simple colours and embracing a signature style and look. Each piece is selected in reference to what is already owned and how it will be utilised fully throughout the years. Here are just a few simple things to consider to develop your timeless wardrobe.

• Choose a colour pallet that suits you and stick to it
• Know what you love and feel good in - and only buy this 
• Dress to your body shape and size, she is beautiful no matter what
• Embrace a simplistic but ultimately YOU look - you can have a small collection of accessories to take it all to the next level
• Spend time searching for pieces that tick all your value boxes, smaller brands are harder to find although you will be glad you made the effort
• Avoid impulse buying, make sure you're ticking all of the above
• Care for your wardrobe - mend and alter if necessary 
• When in doubt op-shop, although fast fashion has infatuated a much loved past time you can still find some gems, or if you have the time, you can even make your own  

1. Too Much Sun

Linen is a natural fiber, to dry or to store it is best kept away from direct sunlight which can 'bake' and in turn 'break' linens natural fibers. After washing linen is best dried inside or in good shade, flat or on hanger, it is best to shake the harsh crinkles from washing while still damp. Most natural fiber clothing benefit from being cared for in this way and will last much longer.

2. Overcrowded Washing

Always keep your machine loads at a comfortable level, with linen it is best that only linen is washed together, other fibers or rough clothes may aggravate your linen clothing. Avoid using hot water or harsh detergents, linens needs are eco friendly too - a cold gentle wash with mild eco friendly detergents work best.

3. Plastic Clothing Covers

We are very passionate about plastic free living. In addition, plastic clothing covers or storage plastic bags inhibit your linen clothing from breathing. As a natural fiber, linen needs to breath to prevent yellowing or mildew growth. 

You can always store in cloth natural fiber bags or separate garments using acid-free tissue paper. Ensure your wardrobe space is well ventilated.

4. Letting Stains Sit

Addressing stains as soon as possible will ensure a longer life of your linen clothing. Very often this can be achieved with a spot-stain removing method so as not to have to wash your clothing every time a stain or bit of food makes it's way onto your linen.

An effective eco friendly method is using a sprinkle of bi-carb or baking soda, add a few sprays or drops of vinegar and gently blot away with a natural fiber cloth. Bi-carb soda and vinegar also make a fantastic natural fabric softener and stain remover to add to your wash!

5. Always Ironing

The wonderful thing about quality linen, is that it gets softer and silkier with every wash. Quality linen clothing is known for its natural drape and softness, becoming more fluid with time. Linen is the only natural fiber which does not deteriorate or breakdown due to washing and wearing, it has a significantly stronger fiber which is why good quality linen clothing is a very prized thing indeed. Linen has natural creases which add to its character and inherently unique natural look. You will prolong the life of your linen clothing if you do not iron - I repeat - no need for ironing.

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

Reasons to Drink More Green Tea 

1. Tea can boost your immune system

Green tea boosts the number of "regulatory T cells" in the body, which are important for the immune system, according to research from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.

"When fully understood, this could provide an easy and safe way to help control autoimmune problems and address various diseases," study researcher Emily Ho, an associate professor at the university says. The research, published in the journal Immunology Letters, specifically focused on the green tea compound EGCG, which is a kind of polyphenol. Researchers believe that the compound may work via epigenetics-by influencing expression of genes-rather than "changing the underlying DNA codes," Ho said in a statement.

2. Tea may lower your risk of heart disease

A review in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that drinking three or more cups of tea per day is linked with a lower risk of coronary heart disease, potentially because of the amount of antioxidants tea contains. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that green tea and black tea have atherosclerosis-preventing effects, though the FDA has yet to allow tea makers to claim that green tea can affect heart disease risk.

3. Tea could shrink tumors

Scottish researchers found that applying a compound in green tea called epigallocatechin gallate to tumors shrinks them in size.

"When we used our method, the green tea extract reduced the size of many of the tumors every day, in some cases removing them altogether," study researcher Dr. Christine Dufes, senior lecturer at the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, said in a statement. "By contrast, the extract had no effect at all when it was delivered by other means, as every one of those tumors continued to grow."

4. It can boost your cognitive function as you age

Drinking green tea could help you function better with basic tasks such as bathing and dressing yourself as you get older, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The research, which included 14,000 adults ages 65 and older over a three-year period, showed that the ones who drank the most green tea had the best functioning in old age compared with those who drank the least.

"Green tea consumption is significantly associated with a lower risk of incident functional disability, even after adjustment for possible confounding factors," the study researchers concluded.

5. It may lower blood pressure

Drinking black tea could slightly decrease blood pressure, according to a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Reuters reported that participants drank either black tea, or a non-tea beverage that had similar caffeine levels and taste, for six months, thrice daily. The researchers found that those assigned to drink the black tea had a slight decrease in blood pressure, though not enough to bring someone with hypertension back into a safe zone, according to Reuters.

Source - The Editors of Huffington Post Healthy Living

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

So I Went To (Fast Fashion Shop) and bought 10 Dresses - This is what I found 

(actually didn't but you get the gist)

1. I didn't really love ANY of them but they were cheap
2. I know I'll throw them out in 12 months (if they don't fall apart first)...more landfill
3. I really don't know what they are made from - poly... oh yeah isn't that plastic and microfibers choking our planet?
4. 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..
5. One has a tag 'Ethically Made in Bali' - mmm why not Australia - ah fair wages... fair in Bali... do they have a fair work?
6. 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
7. 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
8. I wonder how long it would take me to sew a dress - I wonder how much I'd like to be paid?
9. 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 

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 

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?

Linen keeping you Green - How is Linen Made?

From plant to clothing - the use of the flax plant (linum) dates back over 35,000 years, linen being the oldest natural fiber still loved and used today 

Our logo has been created with our simplistic and earth friendly core values in mind 

The motif is based on the flax flower in bud form, a symbol of growth, time and care taken in the process of producing linen fabric and our linen clothing 

As linen is typically grown in the cooler countries of the world, the fibers that come from the flax plat are strong but the process of turning them into linen takes time 

This demonstrates the enduring popularity of linen. Cotton and other synthetic materials are cheaper and easier to make, but people still choose the quality that is only found in linen 

All of our Linen is of the highest quality sourced from Europe, most of this linen is from Belgium   

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 :)