Our Blog | Love Linen The Label

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  

Linen is a naturally smooth fabric, resistant to lint, highly breathable, drys quickly and is absorbent and hypoallergenic. Linen is a very stable fiber and does not have elastic capabilities, it is an amazing quality from the point of view that quality linen clothing with never loose its shape or stretch - no other natural fiber can boast this! 

When selecting linen, particularly with linens popularity increasing due to its earth friendly and natural properties, it is good to know cheap linen vs quality linen.

Quality Linen Is Not Itchy or Scratchy 

The biggest tell tail to cheap linen is that it will feel itchy and scratchy. Quality linen is always comfortable on the skin and becomes naturally soft and silky with wash and wear. If linen feels rough or scratchy it is because it is made from a lesser shorter linen fiber of low quality. It may also feel not as sturdy or strong and will be prone to easily tearing and feel 'weak' when pulled. 

Watch Out For Existing Folds 

Check for points of wear in existing folds, at the same time however if linen is displaying lack or no natural creases, and remains suspiciously crinkle free, it is likely a cheap blend of linen.  

Check For Weaving Errors 

Look at the consistency and quality of weave. Do not worry about the lack or presence of 'slubs' (a combination of thinner and thicker threads) they are almost always intentionally included in order to keep the fibers intact and creates a 'natural linen' textural look. Very fine linen will likely have no slubs as they will have uniformity of much finer fibers of a consistent diameter.  

Consistency of Colour

The colour should be even throughout the fabric. Linen is very difficult to dye so you can usually easily tell if corners have been cut or if the fabric appears to have any yellowing or un-uniform colour. 

Identify Country Of Origin

European linen, particularly that from Belgium, Ireland and Italy is amongst the worlds most highly regarded quality linen. It really is a fabric where you do get exactly what you pay for. 

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.

Quality linen will always be soft to touch even before a first wash.

All of our linens are chosen for their quality and softness and are already pre-softened and pre-shrunk. The beauty of linen is that it will never loose its shape - no other fabric does this! - making a well made linen garment even more favorable as an investment piece. You will never have your favourite piece loosing shape or shrinking!

Particularly in Australia - linens breathable and insulating properties are so well suited to our sometimes harsh and dramatically hot and cold climates. The ability to keep you cool during the warmer months and warmer during the cooler months makes linen one of the best tran-seasonal pieces on offer.

Linen is also fast drying so a splash of the ocean or a rushed clothes wash so you can wear your favourites again and again, linens advantage is that it is very fast drying - although be assured when washing it is best to dry inside or in the shade as to not damage the linen fibers.

Probably one of my absolute favourites, linen gets softer and silkier with each wash and wear - with time your love of your best linen dress just gets better and better!   

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     

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.

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

Production of clothing, shoes and accessories

19. Clothing production doubled from 2000 to 2014. (McKinsey 2016)

21. More than 50% of the emissions from clothing production comes from three phases: dyeing and finishing (36%), yarn preparation (28%) and fibre production (15%). (Quantis 2018)

23. The fashion industry’s CO2 emissions are projected to increase to nearly 2.8 billion tons per year by 2030— equivalent to the emissions of 230 million passenger vehicles driven for a year. (Global Fashion Agenda 2017)

24. In Australia, 92% of clothes sold in Australia are imported. (Choice 2014)

25. The clothing produced each year equates to 14 items of clothing for every person on earth. (McKinsey 2016)

26. The number of garments produced globally exceeded 100 billion for the first time in 2014.(McKinsey 2016)

27. One kilogram of clothing over its entire life cycle creates 11 kilograms of greenhouse gases. (McKinsey 2016)

28. Polyester production emitted about 706 billion kg (1.5 trillion pounds) of greenhouse gases in 2015 equivalent of the annual emissions of 185 coal-fired power plants. (World Resources Institute 2017).

Textile fibres and fabrics

33. 63% of textile fibres are derived from petrochemicals. (Lenzing 2017)

34. Approximately 8,000 synthetic chemicals are used throughout the world to turn raw materials into textiles. (Alternatives Journal 2015)

35. Polyester and cotton dominate the global textiles and fibre market, 51% and 24% respectively (Lenzing, 2017)

36. Approximately 300 million people who produce cotton are still living in poverty. (Fairtrade 2017)

37. Making one kilogram of fabric generates an average of 23 kilograms of greenhouse gases. (McKinsey 2016)

38 Less than 1% of material used to produce clothing is recycled into new textiles and fibres. (Elle MacArthur Foundation 2017)

39. Water-thirsty plant cotton linked to water depletion, accounts for 30% of all textile fibre consumption. (McKinsey 2016)

40. Although the cultivation area of cotton covers only 3% of the planet’s agricultural land, its production consumes an estimated 16% of all insecticides and 7% of all herbicides. (Greenpeace 2017)

41. By 2030, it is predicted that the fashion industry will use 35% more land for cotton, forest for cellulose fibres, and grassland for livestock. (Global Fashion Agenda 2017)

Credit - Eco Warrior Princess 

Working conditions, wages and child labour

29. 4% of what Australians spend on clothing goes to the wages of workers in garment factories across the globe.(Oxfam 2017)

30. Over 50% of workers within the fashion industry are not paid the minimum wage in countries like India and the Philippines. (Global Fashion Agenda 2017)

31. In Pakistan’s garment sector, 87% of women are paid less than the minimum wage. (Global Fashion Agenda 2017)

32. In Australia, some garment outworkers earn as little as $7 an hour and, in some cases, as little as $4 well which is below the minimum wage of $17.49 per hour. (Choice 2014)

Clothing and textile waste

52. Nearly three-fifths or 60% of all clothing produced ends up in incinerators or landfills within a year of being made. (McKinsey 2016)

53. Of the total fibre input used for clothing, 87% is landfilled or incinerated costing $100 billion annually. (Elle MacArthur Foundation 2017).

55. Americans throw away a total of 14 million tonnes of textiles each year. (EPA)

56. The average Canadian throws 32 kilograms of textiles into landfills each year. (Alternatives Journal 2015)

57. Australians dispose of 500,000 tonnes of leather and textile waste. (ABS)

58. UK disposes of 350,000 tonnes (£140 million worth) of clothing in landfills every year. (Greenpeace 2017)

59. Nearly half of UK adults put tossed some clothing in the bin in the last 12 months. (WRAP 2011)

60. Australians throw out 6 tonnes or 6,000 kgs of clothing textiles every 10 minutes (War On Waste 2017)

61. 75% of Australians have thrown clothes away at some point in the past year. (YouGov 2017)

62. 30% of Australians have thrown away more than ten items of clothing in the past year. (YouGov 2017)

63. In the past year, 24% of Australians have thrown away an item of clothing after wearing it just once. (YouGov 2017)

64. 21% of Australians estimate that they own over 100 garments (excluding underwear or accessories). (YouGov 2017)

65. One in six millennials (16%) aged between 16-34 say they generally keep their clothes for under two years before throwing them away. (YouGov 2017)

66. 57% of Australians dispose of clothes because they no longer fit.(YouGov 2017)

67. 24% of Australians aged 16-34 throw away clothes because they are ‘bored’ of wearing them. (YouGov 2017)

68. 41% of Australian have thrown unwanted clothes straight in the bin. (YouGov 2017)

69. UK disposes of 350,000 tonnes of clothing in landfills every year. (Greenpeace 2017)

Credit - Eco Warrior Princess